Geology Geothermal Gradient Calculator
Actual two-level temperature/depth geothermal gradient, not presume conductive heat flow or reservoir extrapolation.
Description
A two-point geothermal gradient compares temperatures at distinct depths.
A two-point geothermal gradient compares temperatures at distinct depths.1
It differs from fitting an entire borehole profile or resolving advective heat transport. Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements.
When to use Geology Geothermal Gradient Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements. Establish the sample and coordinate basis, matching units, calibration source and applicable model assumptions.
How to use Geology Geothermal Gradient Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the sample and coordinate basis, matching units, calibration source and applicable model assumptions.
- Enter actualDepthCoordinatesMeters, actualTemperaturesKelvin, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read result.observedGeothermalGradientKelvinPerMeter. Interpret each field using the units, signs and evidence rules below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying a successful result, check the stated reference scope, units, assumptions and any retained unknown evidence.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| actualDepthCoordinatesMeters | Actual depth coordinates meters | list of number | Required |
| actualTemperaturesKelvin | Actual temperatures kelvin | list of number | Required |
Require exactly two distinct nonnegative depth coordinates and aligned strictly positive kelvin temperatures. Compute temperature2−temperature1 divided by depth2−depth1. Depths need not be sorted; signed and zero gradients are accepted. No multi-point regression occurs.
gradientKPerM=(temperature2Kelvin−temperature1Kelvin)/(depth2Meters−depth1Meters) Apply the field units and exact ordering, boundary and evidence rules above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| result | Structured result containing the calculation or selected reference fields below | object |
| result.observedGeothermalGradientKelvinPerMeter | Observed Geothermal Gradient Kelvin Per Meter; use the units, sign convention and calculation stated above | number |
{
"input": {
"actualDepthCoordinatesMeters": [
100,
200
],
"actualTemperaturesKelvin": [
300,
303
]
},
"output": {
"result": {
"observedGeothermalGradientKelvinPerMeter": 0.03
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
It differs from fitting an entire borehole profile or resolving advective heat transport. Results depend on the independently established measurement basis and the exact model assumptions above.
Every listed input requires an explicit value. Unexpected fields, incorrect value types, nonfinite numbers and sparse numeric arrays fail validation; tool-specific bounds and alignment rules apply as described above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful calculation that reports a false comparison or retains unknown evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Geology Geothermal Reservoir Temperature Calculator to examine a related aspect: Geothermal reservoir-temperature estimates require an applicable geothermometer and fluid context.
Use Geology Geothermal Heat Flow Calculator where its separate inputs and scope apply: Conductive geothermal heat flux relates thermal conductivity to a declared temperature gradient.
References
-
Geology Geothermal Gradient Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Geology Geothermal Reservoir Temperature Calculator
Geothermal reservoir-temperature estimates require an applicable geothermometer and fluid context.
- Geology Geothermal Heat Flow Calculator
Conductive geothermal heat flux relates thermal conductivity to a declared temperature gradient.