Sensitivity of a 3D Geothermal Model of Berlin with Respect to Upper Boundary Conditions

The goal of this study is to quantify the influences of upper hydraulic and temperature boundary conditions on temperatures as calculated by 3D numerical simulations of coupled fluid-and-heat transport for the subsurface of Berlin. Both, the underlying structural model, as well as the sensitivity analysis are data-driven. The results show that the subsurface thermal field is strongly influenced by hydraulic and thermal boundary conditions. Findings of this study suggest that in the model area conductive heat transport processes are able to compensate the influence of advection by pressure gradients. Also, anthropogenic influences on the subsurface thermal field could be quantified.