Anthropogenic thermogeological 'anomaly' in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK

Banks, D. , Gandy, C.J., Younger, P.L., Withers, J. and Underwood, C. (2009) Anthropogenic thermogeological 'anomaly' in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 42(3), pp. 307-312. (doi: 10.1144/1470-9236/08-024)

Abstract

Two subsurface thermal profiles were measured in geothermal ‘closed-loop’ boreholes at Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. They show a clear reversed gradient (temperature decreases with depth) down to at least 55 m, and the subsurface temperatures are generally warmer than those predicted purely from annual average soil temperature data and the known geothermal heat flux. This suggests that historical downward conductive heat ‘leakage’ from the long-established Gateshead urban environment has modified subsurface temperatures to depths of at least 55 m. Although poorly documented in the UK, a similar ‘urban thermogeological heat island’ effect has been noted from Canada, Sweden, Ireland and Japan.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Younger, Professor Paul and Banks, Mr David
• Authors: Banks, D., Gandy, C.J., Younger, P.L., Withers, J., and Underwood, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
• ISSN: 1470-9236
• ISSN (Online): 2041-4803