Thermal structure of the lithosphere in Fujian, China

The principal thermal parameters of the lithosphere (average reduced heat heat flow production, and heat production depth parameter) have been determined from an analysis of silica heat flow estimates in Fujian, China. Silica data indicate that relative to western Fujian, heat flow is higher in eastern Fujian, with thinner lithosphere, a shallower depth to the Curie isotherm (about 27 km), and slightly higher geothermal activity. However, even in eastern Fujian, the thermal anomaly is small, no anomalous heat source is indicated, and conditions are not thought to be favorable for geothermal resources related to magma chambers, hydrothermal reservoirs, or hot dry rock. Widespread thermal springs in this region are heated by deep circulation of groundwater along faults in association with a slightly elevated geothermal gradient.