Modelling the Geothermal Potential of the Eastern Border of the Leinetal Graben, Lower Saxony

The present-day geothermal situation of the eastern border of the Leinetal Graben near Sudheim is modelled using a two-dimensional, 1 km deep, finite-element model based on a cross-section from the literature. The resulting thermal field shows discrete, but important differences in the geothermal gradient inand outside the graben and gives an indication of the influence of the Zechstein salt layer. Geothermal gradients, both inand outside the graben, are greater than 25 °C/km down to 400 m depth, but below this depth they decrease to ca. 13.5 °C/km.