@article{CacaceKaiserLewerenzetal.2010,
  author    = {Cacace, Mauro and Kaiser, Bjoern Onno and Lewerenz, Bjoern and Scheck-Wenderoth, Magdalena},
  title     = {Geothermal energy in sedimentary basins : what we can learn from regional numerical models},
  issn      = {0009-2819},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.chemer.2010.05.017},
  year      = {2010},
  abstract  = {Understanding the interactions between the different processes that control the geothermal and fluid flow fields in sedimentary basins is crucial for exploitation of geothermal energy. Numerical models provide predictive and feasible information for a correct assessment of geothermal resources especially in areas where data acquisition is demanding. Here, we present results from numerical efforts to characterize the thermal structure and its interaction with the fluid system for the area of the North East German Basin (NEGB). The relative impact of the different (diffusive and advective) processes affecting the hydrothermal setting of the basin are investigated by means of three- dimensional numerical simulations. Lithospheric-scale numerical models are evaluated to understand the specific thermal signature of the relevant factors influencing the present-day conductive geothermal field in the NEGB. Shallow and deep structural controls on the thermal configuration of the basin are addressed and quantified. Interaction between the resulting thermal field and the active fluid system is investigated by means of three-dimensional simulations of coupled fluid flow and heat transport. Factors influencing stability and reliability of modeling predictions are discussed. The main effort is to build a physically consistent model for the basin which integrates the impacts of thermal gradients on the regional fluid regime and their coupling with the main geological units defining the basin.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BloecherCacaceLewerenzetal.2010,
  author    = {Bloecher, Mando Guido and Cacace, Mauro and Lewerenz, Bjoern and Zimmermann, G{\"u}nter},
  title     = {Three dimensional modelling of fractured and faulted reservoirs : framework and implementation},
  issn      = {0009-2819},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.chemer.2010.05.014},
  year      = {2010},
  abstract  = {Modelling of coupled physical processes in fractured and faulted media is a major challenge for the geoscience community. Due to the complexity related to the geometry of real fracture networks and fault systems, modelling studies have been mainly restricted either to two dimensional cases or to simplified orthogonal fracture systems consisting of vertical and horizontal fractures. An approach to generate three dimensional meshes for realistic fault geometries is presented. The method enables representation of faults in an arbitrary incline as two dimensional planes within a three dimensional, stratified porous matrix of a generic geometry. Based on a structural geological model, the method creates three dimensional unstructured tetrahedral meshes. These meshes can be used for finite element and finite volume numerical simulations. A simulation of a coupled fluid flow and heat transport problem for a two layered porous medium cut by two crossing faults is presented to test the reliability of the method.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KaiserCacaceScheckWenderothetal.2011,
  author    = {Kaiser, Bjoern Onno and Cacace, Mauro and Scheck-Wenderoth, Magdalena and Lewerenz, Bjoern},
  title     = {Characterization of main heat transport processes in the Northeast German Basin constraints from 3-D numerical models},
  series = {Geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems},
  number    = {13},
  publisher = {American Geophysical Union},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {1525-2027},
  doi       = {10.1029/2011GC003535},
  pages     = {17},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {To investigate and quantify main physical heat driving processes affecting the present-day subsurface thermal field, we study a complex geological setting, the Northeast German Basin (NEGB). The internal geological structure of the NEGB is characterized by the presence of a relatively thick layer of Permian Zechstein salt (up to 5000 m), which forms many salt diapirs and pillows locally reaching nearly the surface. By means of three-dimensional numerical simulations we explore the role of heat conduction, pressure, and density driven groundwater flow as well as fluid viscosity related effects. Our results suggest that the regional temperature distribution within the basin results from interactions between regional pressure forces as driven by topographic gradients and thermal diffusion locally enhanced by thermal conductivity contrasts between the different sedimentary rocks with the highly conductive salt playing a prominent role. In contrast, buoyancy forces triggered by temperature-dependent fluid density variations are demonstrated to affect only locally the internal thermal configuration. Locations, geometry, and wavelengths of convective thermal anomalies are mainly controlled by the permeability field and thickness values of the respective geological layers.},
  language  = {en}
}