An interpretation of South-Limburg subsurface temperature data

Abstract

Staatsmijnen in Limburg (now named Naamloze Vennootschap DSM at Heerlen) has conducted temperature measurements in the Carboniferous rocks of the South-Limburg coalmining area. From the measuring results the temperature gradients for both the overburden and the Carboniferous are derived. The temperature gradient of the Carboniferous averages δc = 3.0 °C/100 m, whilst, that of the overburden, depending on the composition and the water content, appears to range between δd = 5.5 and δd = 2,4 °C/100 m, according to 5 separate regional groups of measurements in the South-Limburg mining area. With the aid of the data obtained a map has been compiled of subsurface temperature at datum level, (-749 m. Amsterdam Zero Level), which chart is to serve in making predictions regarding climatic conditions in underground workings.