Thermoelectrical Element of Earth’s Crust

Abstract

A model of the natural thermoelectric element was developed. The basis of the element is long-lived deep faults with graphite ores inside, which provide continuous electrical connection between the upper part of Earth’s crust and the mantle. Temperature difference between them can reach 1000 °C and more because of the geothermogradient. That is why thermopower and thermoelectrical currents, which move directly upwards to arise (from the hot end to the cold one), appear in the geothermogradient because of the Seebeck effect. That is the reason why natural electric potentials of high intensity up to -2…-10 V are registered over graphite ores because of the presence of thermpower. Electrical characteristics of the geothermoelectric element of the Earth’s crust (thermoelectrical current, its density, total natural potential) were quantified. There is found a mathematical solution which allows to calculate the temperature of the geothermoelectrical element’s lower part, which is directly related to the overheated area of the deep tectonic process. There is also suggested a method of watching the dynamics of the total electric potential which is registered in the upper part of the geothermoelectrical element. Eventually, systematical observations over those total potentials can help to study tense zones of Earth and control the dynamics of thermal deep processes, which are often related to volcanic activity and seismic events. As a result, the resources of the geophysical method of the natural electric field can broaden greatly. It can help science to study directly both the dynamics of deep thermal processes of the Earth’s crust and its areas related to sources of tensions of exogenous and endogenous nature.