Geothermal Distribution Characteristics in the Qinshui Basin and Its Significance to the Production of Coalbed Methane
Yina Yu, Zhaoping Meng
Abstract
. The reservoir temperature shows high values in the central and northwest parts of the basin, while the east and west edges of the basin show negative geothermal anomalies. It is found that groundwater has significant effects on the geothermal distribution in the Qinshui Basin, and with the increase of the groundwater level, the geothermal gradient decreases linearly. In addition, the geothermal gradient and terrestrial heat flow first increase and then tend to be stable with the increase in value of the total dissolved substances. Besides, with an increase in floor elevation, the geothermal gradient first increases linearly and then decreases linearly, obtaining a maximum value at about 450 m (transition floor elevation). This phenomenon is the result of the balance between heat supplying and heat losing. The geothermal distribution characteristics in the Qinshui Basin determine the reservoir temperature of the coalbed methane, and in turn, the reservoir temperature affects the adsorption, desorption, and diffusion behaviors of coalbed methane in situ.