Heat flow, thermal anomalies, tectonic regimes and high-temperature geothermal systems in fault zones

The potential of high-temperature (>150°C) geothermal systems in crustal fault zones (fault cores and hundreds meters wide networks interconnected fractures the damage zone) is underestimated. Based on numerical models, we show that topography-driven, poroelasticity-driven as well buoyancy-driven forces play a significant role establishment shallow (1–4 km) thermal anomalies zones. We investigate permeability, topography, dip, tectonic regime geometry amplitude anomalies. Favorable conditions include: (i) zone thickness > 100 m, (ii) minimum cumulative displacement 100–150 m (iii) lengths at least one kilometer. these parameters, propose new targets for exploration Western Europe.