IE GSI Geothermal Bedrock Thermal Conductivity 100k Ireland (ROI) ITM

Thermal conductivity measures the ability of an object to conduct heat. This happens when heat moves through the body of the object itself. Many things affect how the heat flows through the object. An important one is what material the object is made from. Copper, gold and iron are examples of good conductors but wood, rubber and glass are bad conductors of heat. The speed at which heat travels through the object is used to measure the thermal conductivity.

Rocks can conduct heat differently depending on the composition of the different types of rocks. Thermal conductivity maps can show how different rock types in an area conduct heat. It shows how well or how poorly the rocks will conduct heat. Sandstone and quartzite are rocks that are examples of good heat conductors. Shales and Basalts are poorer heat conductors.

Geothermal energy is the energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the earth. It can be used to supply heat and hot water. It can also be used to cool a house by removing extra heat energy and putting it into the ground. It is a form of renewable energy. Geologists and engineers can extract this heat energy from below the surface and use it to heat homes and businesses. Thermal conductivity maps are important to geologists to help them design the best possible systems for geothermal energy extraction. They must know if the rocks below the surface have high thermal conductivity. This means that the rocks will be better conductors of heat energy.

Thermal conductivity maps are also useful for people who own homes and businesses. If they are interested in using geothermal energy to heat the building, they can use the map to see what type of conductors the rocks in their area are.