Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Thermal conductivity map of the Oslo region based on thermal diffusivity measurements of rock core samples

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A thermal conductivity map can serve as a good basis for ground-source heat pump projects in the pre-design phase. However, due to large variations, a thermal response test is required for larger projects to get the accurate values needed for proper design of the ground-source heat pump system. This study describes the systematic methodology for producing such a thermal conductivity map of a larger geographic area around Oslo, Norway. The map is based on the results of 1,398 thermal diffusivity measurements of rock core samples. The thermal diffusivity is measured and used in the calculation of the thermal conductivity of the different geological units in the bedrock map of the Oslo region. Large variations in thermal conductivity data were registered within the data sets for the different rock polygons and geological units and the greatest variation is found in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Rock polygons and geological units with magmatic origin show the least variation within the data sets. The internal micro structures of the rocks can have a strong influence on the thermal conductivity. This is pronounced in some foliated metamorphic rocks where the thermal conductivity is highest parallel to the orientation of the foliation. The median value for the whole data set is 2.62 W/(m K), while the minimum and maximum value is 1.0 and 6.88 W/(m K), respectively. The minimum value is a breccia, and the maximum value was measured in a quartzite/metasandstone. The lower and upper quartiles for the sets of rock polygons and geological units are 2.1–3.9 W/(m K), respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Banks D, Midtgård AaK, Frengstad B, Krog JR, Strand T et al (1998) Utjevningsbassengs innvirkning på radoninnholdet I grunnvann fra fast fjell. (In Norwegian). The Geological Survey of Norway, NGU-report 98.097. Title in English: Effect of storage basins on radon content in groundwater from bedrock aquifers. p 16

  • Clauser C, Huenges E (1995) Thermal conductivity of rocks and minerals. In: Ahrens TJ (ed) Rock physics and phase relations––a handbook of physical constants. American Geophyscial Union, Washington, pp 105–126

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Liebel HT (2012) Influence of groundwater on measurements of thermal properties in fractured aquifers. Doctoral theses at NTNU, vol 113, p 163

  • Liebel HT, Stølen MS, Frengstad BS, Ramstad RK, Brattli B (2012) Insights into the reliability of different thermal conductivity measurement techniques: a thermo-geological study in Mære (Norway). Bull Eng Geol Environ 71:235–243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lutro O, Nordgulen Ø (2008) Oslofeltet, berggrunnskart M 1:250,000. The Oslo Region Bedrock map 1: 250,000. Geological Survey of Norway

  • Middleton MF (1993) A transient method of measuring the thermal properties. Geophysics 58(3):357–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Midttømme K and Hilmo BO (2000) Kartlegging av grunnvarme fra fjell––sluttrapport. (In Norwegian). The Geological Survey of Norway, NGU-report 2000.034. Title in English: Mapping of ground source heat of the bedrock—final report, p 15

  • Midttømme K, Hilmo BO, Skarphagen H, Nissen A (2000) Kartlegging av energipotensialet i berggrunnen på kartblad Bekkestua, Bærum kommune: Varmeledningsevnen til bergarter.(In Norwegian). The Geological Survey of Norway, NGU-report 2000.036, Title in English: Mapping of the energy potential in the bedrock of the map sheet Bekkestua, Bærum municipality: thermal conductivity of rocks, p 105

  • Popov Y (2012) Evolution in the reliability of experimental geothermal data. In: Huddlestone-Holmes C, Gerner E (eds) Proceedings of the 2012 Australian geothermal energy conference, Sydney, pp 138–145

  • Raade G (1973) Distribution of radioactive elements in the plutonic rocks of the Oslo region. Thesis at University of Oslo

  • Ramstad RK (2011) Grunnvarme i Norge––Kartlegging av økonomisk potensial. (In Norwegian). Report on commission #5 2011 for the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate prepared by Asplan Viak AS, p 87. Title in English: Ground source energy in Norway––Mapping of economic potential

  • Ramstad RK, deBeer H, Midttømme K, Koziel J, Wissing B (2008) Thermal diffusivity measurements at NGU—status and method development 2005–2008. NGU-report 2008.050, p 41

  • Reimann C, Arnoldussen A, Englmaier P, Filzmoser P, Finne TE et al (2007) Element concentrations and variations along a 120-km transect in southern Norway—Anthropogenic vs. geogenic vs. biogenic element sources and cycles. Appl Geochem 22(4):851–871

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slagstad T and Cramer J (2005) Boringer fyller kunnskapshullene. Geo Oktober 2005 page 40–42. Title in English: Drilling fills the holes of knowledge

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology and Mineral Resources Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Randi K. Ramstad & Heiko T. Liebel

  2. Christian Michelsen Research AS, P.O.Box 6031, NO-5892, Bergen, Norway

    Kirsti Midttømme

  3. Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Randi K. Ramstad, Kirsti Midttømme, Bjørn S. Frengstad & Bjørn Willemoes-Wissing

  4. Asplan Viak AS, P.O.Box 24, NO-1300, Sandvika, Norway

    Randi K. Ramstad & Heiko T. Liebel

Authors
  1. Randi K. Ramstad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kirsti Midttømme
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Heiko T. Liebel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bjørn S. Frengstad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Bjørn Willemoes-Wissing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Randi K. Ramstad.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ramstad, R.K., Midttømme, K., Liebel, H.T. et al. Thermal conductivity map of the Oslo region based on thermal diffusivity measurements of rock core samples. Bull Eng Geol Environ 74, 1275–1286 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0701-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0701-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation