Abstract
At present, the emphasis in geothermal studies in non‐volcanic areas is on the flow of heat to the surface, a quantity of much theoretical importance. The number of reliable determinations of heat flow is still small, with few of the oil‐producing regions represented. While thermal gradients range from about 5 to 70°C/km, most of the measurements of heat flow fall within the range [Formula: see text], including the recent values for the deep ocean basins. There are suggestions of regional variations, but many more measurements reliable to 10% or better will be needed for further progress. The study of regions or provinces, rather than single localities, is especially desirable, and should be feasible in areas extensively drilled for oil. The principal requirements, which are difficult to meet, are: 1) approximate thermal equilibrium, which may require an undisturbed period of many months, and 2) availability for laboratory study of cores representing the major formations penetrated by the well. A renewal of interest in this subject among oil geologists, with recognition and exploitation of opportunities as they arise, could greatly advance its development.
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