Subsurface temperature distribution from heat flow conduction equation in part of chad sedimentary basin, Nigeria

The 1-D steady state temperature structure of part of Chad sedimentary basin has been determined using one layer-model. The solution to the Fourier one dimensional heat flow equation was used to generate subsurface temperature. The thermal conductivity, radiogenic heat production and surface heat flow were varied for the generation of different geotherms. The computed geotherms increase linearly with depth from earth surface to the base of the sediment. Comparison between the computed and measured temperatures from some wells shows a very good match. The internal parameters of the basin controlling the thermal structure are thermal conductivity and radiogenic heat production.