Heat flow from the Earth interior as indicator of deep processes

Abstract

The energy aspects of the problem of intraterrestrial heat transfer in various forms are discussed. Endogenous causes of conductive heat flow dispersion − radiogenic heat generation, tectonic movements and magmatism (volcanism), including its latent and open discharge in the form of volcanic and hydrothermal activity are considered. The geological ordering of the heat flow in the continental crust is related to convective discharge of the heat and mass flux from the mantle, marked by the isotopic composition of helium in freely circulating underground fluids. The combined transport of heat and helium, as well as the correlation of He isotopic compositions in volcanic and hydrothermal gases and Sr compositions in young lavas, testify to the silicate nature of the heat and mass flow emanating from the mantle reservoirs of different depths.