The Geothermal Field Below the City of Berlin, Germany: Results from Structurally and Parametrically Improved 3D Models

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of geological structure and parameterization of Cenozoic sediments on the geothermal field as calculated by 3D thermohydraulic numerical simulations for the subsurface of Berlin, Germany. The results show, that a mostly continuous Rupelian aquitard effectively hampers forced convective cooling of the deep subsurface (≥ 1km) but for localities where the unit is discontinuous. New parameterization methods for hydraulic conductivities lead to a stronger coupling of the hydraulic boundary condition and forced convective cooling. Newly derived thermal conductivities result in a stronger thermal blanketing effect for the Post-Permian sediments than previously estimated.