Radiogenic heat production as an indicator for geothermal energy exploration in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

IF 3.3 4区环境科学与生态学 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Environmental Earth Sciences Pub Date : 2026-08-17 DOI:10.1007/s12665-026-13096-9

R.B. Alkhayat, Mohammed M. Mustafa, Taha Yaseen Wais, Berivan F. Namq, Dilshad Salih Ismael

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The apportionment of naturally occurring radionuclides (²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) within granite samples supplies essential data related to heat generation and thermal properties of the crust. Radiogenic heat production (RHP) was estimated in this work for granite rocks gathered from the Raparin region within Kurdistan, Iraq. A total of 45 granite samples were examined through HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry to evaluate the concentration levels of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K. The radionuclide concentrations displayed substantial discrepancy across the investigated rock samples, indicating variation in fundamental enrichment and geological development within the granitoid bodies. The average value of RHP is 2.55 µW m^− 3 and the range varied from 1.72 to 3.76 µW m^− 3. The obtained RHP values recommended moderate radiogenic heat contribution. The contribution of three nuclides to total heat production is sequenced as ²³⁸U> ²³²Th> ⁴⁰K. The heterogeneous distribution patterns of the radionuclides and RHP were revealed through spatial analysis. Thus, the differentiation in magmatic and irregularity in regional geology could impact the thermal properties of the Zagros structure. Finally, this study provides advanced baseline radiogenic information for granite rocks for the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt and contributes a new database for limited geothermal for the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

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来源期刊

Environmental Earth Sciences 环境科学-地球科学综合

CiteScore

5.10

自引率

3.60%

发文量

494

审稿时长

8.3 months

期刊介绍： Environmental Earth Sciences is an international multidisciplinary journal concerned with all aspects of interaction between humans, natural resources, ecosystems, special climates or unique geographic zones, and the earth: Water and soil contamination caused by waste management and disposal practices Environmental problems associated with transportation by land, air, or water Geological processes that may impact biosystems or humans Man-made or naturally occurring geological or hydrological hazards Environmental problems associated with the recovery of materials from the earth Environmental problems caused by extraction of minerals, coal, and ores, as well as oil and gas, water and alternative energy sources Environmental impacts of exploration and recultivation – Environmental impacts of hazardous materials Management of environmental data and information in data banks and information systems Dissemination of knowledge on techniques, methods, approaches and experiences to improve and remediate the environment In pursuit of these topics, the geoscientific disciplines are invited to contribute their knowledge and experience. Major disciplines include: hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, geochemistry, geophysics, engineering geology, remediation science, natural resources management, environmental climatology and biota, environmental geography, soil science and geomicrobiology.