OVERVIEW

Geothermics studies the thermal conditions and heat of the Earth's interior, which is the energy source (geothermal energy) that powers geological processes on a planetary scale. Geothermal energy is now increasingly recognized as an important renewable and sustainable source for producing electricity or for direct use. To this end, the study of how heat is distributed in the most superficial states and how this can be extracted is fundamental.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Heat transfer processes are presented together with the main geophysical techniques for investigations on the thermal structure of the uppermost crustal layers and the characterization of hydro-geothermal systems. Problems related to the direct use of geothermal energy (district heating) and the production of electricity from high-enthalpy fluids are addressed. A series of case studies related to the exploitation of geothermal energy are also presented. The course also includes several practical experiences in the laboratory (geothermal modelling through numerical and analytical calculation codes, measurements of thermophysical properties) and in the field.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the contents of the course, basic knowledge of Solid Earth Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Hydrogeology and Structural Geology is required.

TEACHING METHODS

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Heat transferConduction in isotropic and anisotropic media, Differential formulation of the conduction equation, Analytical and numerical solutions (finite difference and finite element method) of the conduction equation. Radiation, Secular and periodic variations in temperature, Temperatures in the subsoil and climatic variations. Convection, heat transport equations and water transport, Analytical and numerical solutions, Recognition of groundwater movements. 2. Heat sources and geothermal fluxRadioactivity and radionuclides of rocks, Production of radiogenic heat, Radiometric prospecting, Earth's heat flux 3. Underground temperatures and geothermal systemsThermal properties of rocks, Temperature and thermal processes, Structural conditions and physical processes in geothermal areas, Evaluation of the energy potential of a geothermal system, cultivation of geothermal reservoirs 4. Geothermal Energy ExplorationGeothermal measurements, Instruments, Causes of error, Gradient measurements, Measurement of thermal parameters, Corrections on the observed geothermal gradient, Geothermal flow anomalies and their separation, Tuscan-Lazio geothermal fields, Deep carbonate reservoirs of the Po basin, Geophysical techniques for geothermal prospecting

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lectures/laboratory exercises.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will start from 22 September 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy