CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Ferguson, G.A.G.
Date : 2005.
Title : Ground surface temperature reconstructions from borehole temperatures: Hydrogeological considerations.
Publication : Joint Meeting of the Geological Association of Canada, the Mineralogical Association of Canada, the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists and the Canadian Society of Soil Sciences. May 15-18, 2005. Studley Campus of Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Issue :
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Abstract
Advection by groundwater is a significant heat flow mechanism in many subsurface environments and presents a major obstacle in the analysis of borehole temperatures to reconstruct ground surface temperature histories. In most cases, studies using borehole temperatures to examine ground surface temperatures do not include detailed hydrogeological investigations and are usually conducted in an areas where it is suspected that advections negligible. While there are environments where this is a valid assumption, it has not been conclusively shown what level of advective heat transport is negligible. Recent studies have also suggested that it may be possible to correct for advective effects in ground surface temperature reconstructions. However, much of this work is contrary to hydrogeological research where temperatures are used to estimate groundwater velocities. While temperatures are recognized as an excellent tracer of groundwater flow, their use has been limited due to the complexities of hydrogeologic systems. Due to these complexities, temperature data is usually applied in combination with other techniques in hydrogeological studies. Based on this experience, it is strongly suggested that advective effects be quantified by means other than temperatures in borehole temperature studies. The incorporation of independent information on groundwater flow will enable for more conclusive delineation of areas where advective effects can be neglected may also provide some insight into how to account for advection in ground surface temperature reconstructions.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology