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The dynamics of submarine geothermal heat pipes
Author(s) -
Bai Wuming,
Xu Wenyue,
Lowell Robert P.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2002gl016176
Subject(s) - halite , geothermal gradient , geology , hydrothermal circulation , permeability (electromagnetism) , geothermal heating , geothermal energy , heat flux , submarine , seafloor spreading , seawater , petrology , geophysics , thermodynamics , heat transfer , chemistry , geomorphology , oceanography , seismology , structural basin , biochemistry , physics , membrane
To better understand natural two‐phase hydrothermal systems, we have constructed one‐dimensional heat‐pipe solutions for NaCl‐H 2 O fluids and explored the effects of basal heat flux and permeability on their behavior. For seafloor conditions, saline brines form quickly at the base of the heat pipe; and in some cases halite is precipitated. NaCl‐H 2 O heat pipes may become liquid or vapor dominated but, in contrast to their pure‐water counterparts, often do not achieve steady state. When steady state solutions do exist, they are characterized either by broad, weak counter‐flow or by vigorous counter‐flow across a thin layer. The latter behavior may be analogous to that occurring in the Salton Sea Geothermal System, California.