Thermal Structure of the Northern Outer Albanides and Adjacent Adriatic Crustal Sector, and Implications for Geothermal Energy Systems

Stefano Santini,Antonella Megna,Pietro Paolo Pierantoni,Simone Teloni,Matteo Basilici,Chiara Invernizzi,Stefano Mazzoli,Vincenzo Spina

doi:10.3390/en13226028

Stefano Santini, Antonella Megna + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en13226028

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Abstract

Using an analytical methodology taking into account heat flow density data, frictional heating, temperature variations due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting and geological constrains, we calculated surface heat flow, geotherms and isotherms along a balanced and restored regional geological cross-section. Our results highlight the impact of frictional heating produced by thrusts on the thermal structure of the study area, leading to a raising of the isotherms both in the inner Albanides to the E and in the Adriatic sector offshore. Minimum values of Qs in the surroundings of Tirana and the reconstructed 2D thermal structure suggest less favorable conditions for exploitation of geothermal energy, besides the direct use (Borehole Heat Exchanger-Geothermal Heat Pump systems). Nevertheless, the occurrence of the “Kruja geothermal zone”, partially overlapping this area and including hot spring manifestations, emphasize the structural control in driving hot fluids to the surface with respect to the regional thermal structure.

Highlights

Based on a new geological cross-section, an analytical methodology was implemented to produce a crustal thermal model that takes into account a series of geologically derived constraints and the temperature variation due to the re-equilibrated conductive state associated with thrusting, as well as heat flow density data and frictional heating
A series of temperature profile measurements from selected boreholes are available for the entire country of Albania, resulting in a regional setting characterized by an increasing geothermal gradient from the west (Peri-Adriatic Depression) to the east (Internal Albanides), its detailed pattern in the inner Albanides is unclear [5]
Our balanced and restored regional geological section highlights the basement-involved thrusting style characterizing the outer portion of the Albanides fold and thrust belt at the latitude of Durrës (~410 200 N)

Summary

Introduction

Based on a new geological cross-section, an analytical methodology was implemented to produce a crustal thermal model that takes into account a series of geologically derived constraints and the temperature variation due to the re-equilibrated conductive state associated with thrusting, as well as heat flow density data and frictional heating. The resulting model obtained for the study area provides thermal constraints that are fundamental for the assessment and management of energy resources (hydrocarbons, geothermal energy) and constitute a basis for tectonic and geodynamic modeling. The Albanides form partpart of a of continuous, NW-SENW-SE striking,striking, SW vergent including the Hellenides to the and the Dinarides to the north. Such andeveloped orogen, developed the Hellenides to the south andsouth the Dinarides to the north. Late Jurassic [9], constitutes an important portion of the southern segment of the Alpine beltAlpine in the belt in the Mediterranean.

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