Thermostratigraphic and Heat Flow Assessment of the South Slave Region in the Northwest Territories, Canada

Mirah Rajaobelison (), Michaël Thibault, Félix-Antoine Comeau, Jasmin Raymond (), Emily J. Smejkal and Viktor Terlaky
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Mirah Rajaobelison: Centre Eau Terre Environnement—Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
Michaël Thibault: Centre Eau Terre Environnement—Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
Félix-Antoine Comeau: Centre Eau Terre Environnement—Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
Jasmin Raymond: Centre Eau Terre Environnement—Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
Emily J. Smejkal: Terrapin Geothermics Inc., 750, 10707-100 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 3M1, Canada
Viktor Terlaky: Northwest Territories Geological Survey, 4601-B 52 Avenue, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9, Canada

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-27

Abstract: Despite the elevated heat flow known in the Western part of the South Slave Region (Northwest Territories, Canada), a continuous and equilibrium geothermal gradient was never measured in boreholes below the communities where geothermal energy could be developed. This paper aims to predict the geothermal gradient and assess the Earth’s natural heat flow below the communities of Fort Providence, Kakisa, Hay River, and Enterprise. Temperatures from drill-stem tests and bottom well logs were corrected for drilling disturbance and paleoclimate. The thermal conductivity and heat generation rate of the geological formations were determined from the literature and with new laboratory measurements. Original 1D models were developed to evaluate subsurface temperature through the sedimentary formations based on a thermostratigraphic assessment. The results indicate a geothermal gradient that varies from 44.1 ± 10.6 °C km ?1 to 59.1 ± 14.9 °C km ?1 and heat flow that varies from 105.5 mW m ?2 to 160.2 mW m ?2 below the communities. These estimates were in agreement with the equilibrium geothermal gradients measured in Cameron Hills, south of the four communities, and were used to verify our predictions. The highest geothermal gradient (59.1 ± 14.9 °C km ?1 ) was estimated at Hay River, which, therefore, has the most favorable geological conditions for geothermal development.

Keywords: Hay River; geothermal energy; thermal conductivity; heat flow; Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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