Temperature increases with depth in the Earth due to internal heat sources such as radioactive decay. The average geothermal gradient is around 25°C per kilometer of depth. Heat flows from hotter areas at depth toward cooler areas near the surface. The main sources of heat are radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium. Temperature measurements in wells must account for disequilibrium caused by drilling fluids cooling the borehole.
Temperature increases with depth in the Earth due to internal heat sources such as radioactive decay. The average geothermal gradient is around 25°C per kilometer of depth. Heat flows from hotter areas at depth toward cooler areas near the surface. The main sources of heat are radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium. Temperature measurements in wells must account for disequilibrium caused by drilling fluids cooling the borehole.
Temperature increases with depth in the Earth due to internal heat sources such as radioactive decay. The average geothermal gradient is around 25°C per kilometer of depth. Heat flows from hotter areas at depth toward cooler areas near the surface. The main sources of heat are radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium. Temperature measurements in wells must account for disequilibrium caused by drilling fluids cooling the borehole.