Heat flow distribution in Chinese continent and its adjacent areas

Using a compilation of 6980 heat flow measurements, we produce a new heat flow map for the Chinese continent and its adjacent areas. We develop an objective and integrated method to interpolate the heat flow data, taking into account both the uniformity within geological units and coherency of regional heat flow. The geologic units are outlined based on Zhang et al.’s active tectonic block model. Our heat flow model is presented in two formats: a contour map and a heat flow dataset with values on a 1 × 1° grid for the Chinese continent and its adjacent areas, reflecting detailed variations in some regions. Also provided is a resolution map which helps understand the reliability of the heat flow model. Our results reveal that (1) Heat flows in the eastern part of the Chinese continent are relatively higher than those in the western part except that in the Tibetan Plateau area. (2) Heat flows in the Ordos and North China blocks are around 60 mW/m2, and are 50–55 mW/m2 in South China except for the continental marginal sea regions. (3) Heat flow is the lowest in the Junggar Basin, only 35–45 mW/m2, and is 45–55 mW/m2 in the Tarim Basin. The results of this study provide an important dataset for studies on thermal and rheological structures of the Chinese continent and its adjacent areas.