An effective method for paleo-temperature correction of 3D thermal models: A demonstration based on high resolution datasets in the Netherlands

We present a new method to incorporate paleo-surface temperature effects in steady state 3D conductive models. The workflow approximates the transient and incorporates these into models, using appropriate source sink terms for radiogenic heat production. This allows rapid which can be easily used ensemble approaches data assimilation of high-resolution models geothermal resource assessment. is demonstrated Netherlands sedimentary basin with wealth deep (temperature) from groundwater oil gas wells past studies on distribution. subsurface ranging up 5 km depth systematically overpredict temperatures at shallow (<1500 m) depth. Analysis both (<600 m, >200,000 measurements) measurements (1–6 km, >1500 measurements), clearly demonstrates thermal gradient over 200 locations ~20 °C km?1 top 400 m underlain ~31 2–4 interval. Improvements modelling regarding part are accomplished by adding correction related glaciation Weichselian glacial period. proved missing link between two distinctive gradients observed consistent earlier findings limited datasets. overprediction modelled 74% 2 regularly distributed that influence rather uniform large areas not significantly overprinted other such as flow. updated model, marked 10 degrees cooling compared ignoring effects, has major implications assessing potential