Hydrothermic study of the Espirito Santo and Mucuri basins

Abstract

A hydrothermic study of the Espirito Santoand Mucuri basins was conducted, taking into account the factors that affect bottomhole temperature measurements. A methodology that reduced uncertainty in ascertaining these temperatures is proposed. Thermal conductivity values were obtained from 218 core samples of different lithologic types found in these basins. Results reveal a linear relationship between depth and thermal conductivity values for sandstones, shales, and limestones. Based on bottomhole temperature and thermal conductivity data, heat flow values were calculated by means of the cumulative thermal resistivity method and heat flow maps were then drawn up; these indicate anomalies related to the major structural delineations. Hydrodynamic studies and chemical analysis of formation water suggest that conditions in these basins are stagnant, experiencing no affect from meteoric waters or fluid motion.