An introduction to ‘thermogeology’ and the exploitation of ground source heat

The science of ‘thermogeology’ can be defined as the study of the storage and transfer of low-enthalpy heat in the relatively shallow geological environment. It is characterized by numerous analogies with groundwater flow theory; indeed, modern hydrogeology has roots in heat flow theory. Heat conduction is governed by Fourier's Law and is directly analogous to Darcy's (groundwater) Law. Groundwater head, hydraulic conductivity and storage have thermogeological analogues in temperature, thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity. Advection of heat with groundwater flow is directly analogous to the advective transport of a reversibly sorbed, retarded contaminant.