The efficient use of geothermal potential requires a reliable data basis on subsurface parameters, in particular temperature and thermal conductivity. For Hesse, however, only a fragmented picture is currently available, as measurements originate from various sources, including in-house temperature surveys and third-party data.
In this study, existing temperature measurements were systematically processed, the seasonally influenced zone was identified, and methods for calculating reliable mean values were developed. On this basis, temperature profiles could be assigned to different profile types, which broadly reveal trends on a regional-scale.
The processing and characterization of the temperature data provide the foundation for a transparent and comparable database that supports future planning for the utilization of shallow geothermal energy in Hesse. In addition, the compiled data can serve as analogue for regions where no measurements are currently available.