Geothermal Gradient Estimation via Seismic Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating geothermal gradient are unreliable due to limited depth measurements, spatially biased data, and high costs associated with deep exploratory holes, leading to inaccurate geothermal heat flow distribution maps that neglect crustal characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method using seismic wave crustal attenuation characteristic parameters, topographic, and crustal heterogeneity parameters to derive an artificial neural network relational formula, allowing for the estimation of geothermal gradients without the need for deep exploratory holes, by calculating Q0 and frequency dependence values through seismic wave information and incorporating earth science data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deep exploratory holes are bored to several kilometers to estimate exact geothermal gradient values, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling system with a seismic wave-based measurement system. Instead of physically boring holes to several kilometers depth, the invention uses seismic waves to non-invasively measure geothermal gradient values at any depth by analyzing wave attenuation characteristics, thereby eliminating the high cost and complexity of deep drilling operations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces seismic waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure geothermal gradient values. The seismic waves propagate through the crust and their attenuation characteristics serve as a mediator that carries information about the geothermal gradient, allowing measurement without direct physical access to deep underground locations.
2Productivity
If geothermal temperatures are measured through exploratory holes at hundreds of meters depth, then data collection is feasible, but reliability of deep part geothermal gradient values is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical exploratory hole measurement system with a seismic wave-based system that can measure geothermal gradients at any depth without physical boreholes. This substitution enables reliable deep earth measurements by using wave propagation physics rather than mechanical drilling limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct temperature measurement in boreholes to seismic wave attenuation coefficient measurement. By measuring the attenuation of seismic waves as they propagate through different crustal layers, the system can infer geothermal gradient values at any depth, transforming an unreliable direct measurement problem into a reliable indirect measurement problem.
3Ease of operation
If spatial smoothing is applied to geothermal measurement data from biased points, then geothermal resource distribution maps can be generated, but crustal characteristics are not considered making the estimation meaningless
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the approach from spatial smoothing of temperature data to direct calculation of geothermal gradient values using seismic wave attenuation parameters. Instead of applying mathematical smoothing operations to biased temperature measurements, the system uses physics-based seismic measurements that inherently account for crustal characteristics, eliminating the need for post-processing smoothing while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mathematical spatial smoothing operation with a physics-based seismic measurement system. Rather than using algorithms to smooth biased data, the invention uses seismic wave propagation physics to directly obtain accurate geothermal gradient values that naturally incorporate crustal heterogeneity and characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables a highly reliable and cost-effective estimation of geothermal gradients, improving the accuracy of geothermal heat flow distribution maps by considering crustal characteristics, thus enhancing the feasibility of geothermal power generation.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a seismic wave crustal attenuation characteristic parameter of a measured seismic wave at each of a plurality of points on the basis of seismic wave information measured for the plurality of points
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for estimating a geothermal gradient and an apparatus for estimating a geothermal gradient, and provides a method for estimating a geothermal gradient, the method comprising the steps of: calculating, at each of a plurality of points, a seismic wave crustal attenuation characteristic parameter of a seismic wave measured on the basis of the measured seismic wave information, with respect to the plurality of points; deriving an artificial neural network relational formula on the basis of the seismic wave crustal attenuation characteristic parameter; and calculating a geothermal gradient of an area of interest excluding the plurality of points on the basis of the artificial neural network relational formula, such that the geothermal gradient is estimated at a low cost by using a highly reliable method.