Characterization of rock thermophysical properties and factors affecting thermal conductivity−A case study of Datong Basin, China

Rock thermal physical properties play a crucial role in understanding deep thermal conditions, modeling the thermal structure of the lithosphere, and discovering the evolutionary history of sedimentary basins. Recent advancements in geothermal exploration, particularly the identification of high-temperature geothermal resources in Datong Basin, Shanxi, China, have opened new possibilities. This study aims to characterize the thermal properties of rocks and explore factors influencing thermal conductivity in basins hosting high-temperature geothermal resources. A total of 70 groups of rock samples were collected from outcrops in and around Datong Basin, Shanxi Province. Thermal property tests were carried out to analyze the rock properties, and the influencing factors of thermal conductivity were studied through experiments at different temperature and water-filled states. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of rocks in Datong, Shanxi Province, typically ranges from 0.690 W/(m·K) to 6.460 W/(m·K), the thermal diffusion coefficient ranges from 0.441 mm2/s to 2.023 mm2/s, and the specific heat capacity of the rocks ranges from 0.569 KJ/(kg·°C) to 1.117 KJ/(kg·°C). Experimental results reveal the impact of temperature and water saturation on the thermal conductivity of the rock. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature and rises with high water saturation. A temperature correction formula for the thermal conductivity of different lithologies in the area is proposed through linear fitting. The findings from this study provide essential parameters for the assessment and prediction, development, and utilization of geothermal resources in the region and other basins with typical high-temperature geothermal resource.