Premium
The Krafla Geothermal Field, Iceland: 2. The natural state of the system
Author(s) -
Bodvarsson G. S.,
Pruess K.,
Stefansson V.,
Eliasson E. T.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr020i011p01531
Subject(s) - geothermal gradient , geology , natural convection , heat transfer , heat flow , caprock , mechanics , meteorology , geophysics , petroleum engineering , thermal , physics
A model of the natural state of the Krafla reservoir system in Iceland has been developed. The model consists of a vertical cross section which includes reservoirs in both old and new well fields. The physical processes considered include mass transport, conductive and convective heat transfer and boiling, and condensation. Natural heat losses to surface manifestations (springs) are also included. The model matches very well all relevant data from the Krafla field. The natural flow of hot fluids through the reservoirs is estimated as approximately 20 kg/s. Steam escaping to surface springs constitutes the bulk of the heat losses in the area modeled. Conductive heat losses through the caprock are approximately 1 W/m 2 , and heat recharge from below is about 2 W/m 2 .