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Identification of radiogenic heat source distribution in the crust: A variational approach

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Abstract

Radiogenic heat sources present in the continental crust contribute significantly to the total surface heat flow and temperature distribution in the crust. Various models for the depth distribution of radiogenic sources have been proposed. Among these models the exponential model has been shown to be an optimal, smooth model through the variational approach applied to the heat conduction equation. In the present work, a two-layered model of the crust is considered and heat transport by advection is included in the upper layer. The heat transport in the lower layer is by conduction only. Application of variational principle determines the nature of the radiogenic source distribution in both the layers. The results thus obtained indicate a radiogenic source distribution which is more complex than a simple exponential model.

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Author notes

  1. R. N. Singh

    Present address: National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, 440 020, Nagpur, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation, 560037, Bangalore, India

    R. N. Singh

  2. National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, 500 007, Hyderabad, India

    Ajay Manglik

Authors
  1. R. N. Singh
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  2. Ajay Manglik
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Singh, R.N., Manglik, A. Identification of radiogenic heat source distribution in the crust: A variational approach. Sadhana 25, 111–118 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02703753

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