Geothermal Genesis Mechanism of the Yinchuan Basin Based on Thermal Parameter Inversion

Baizhou An, Lige Bai (), Jianwei Zhao and Zhaofa Zeng
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Baizhou An: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
Lige Bai: College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
Jianwei Zhao: College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
Zhaofa Zeng: College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: The Yinchuan Basin harbors significant geothermal resource potential and could be a clean energy source critical for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. However, the current research primarily focuses on the exploration and development of geothermal water in the sedimentary basins, with limited studies on the deep geothermal formation mechanisms and regional geothermal types. Although geophysical methods provide insights into the types and formation mechanisms of deep geothermal resources in the basin, there is still a lack of a connection between quantitative understanding and direct evidence. A series of algorithms based on thermal parameter characteristics can directly extract underground thermal features from raw geophysical signal data, offering a powerful tool for characterizing the structure and aggregation patterns of deep thermal sources. Therefore, this study employed a Bayesian thermal parameter inversion method based on interface information to obtain the spatial distribution of thermal conductivity, surface heat flow, and mantle heat parameters in the Ningxia Basin study area. Additionally, correlation analysis and global sensitivity analysis were conducted to further interpret the predicted results. A comprehensive analysis of the geophysical inversion results showed that the deep thermal anomalies in the basin are primarily controlled by fault activities and the lithospheres’ thermal structure, while shallow high-heat flow anomalies are closely related to convective circulation within faults and heat transfer from deep thermal sources. The established geothermal genesis mechanism and model of the Yinchuan Basin provide crucial support for sustainable regional geothermal development planning and the utilization of deep geothermal resources, contributing to energy security and emission reduction goals.

Keywords: thermal parameter inversion; geothermal; Ningxia Basin; geothermal genesis mechanism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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