Lithosphere tectonics and thermo-mechanical properties: An integrated modeling approach for enhanced geothermal systems exploration in Europe

For geothermal exploration and the development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) knowlegde of temperature at drillable depth is a prerequisite for site selection. Equally important is the thermo-mechanical signature of the lithosphere and crust which allow to obtain critical constraints for the crustal stress field and basement temperatures where borehole observations are rare. The stress and temperature field in Europe is subject to strong spatial variations which can be linked to polyphase extensional and compressional reactivation of the lithosphere, in different modes of deformation. In this paper we review key thermo-mechanical processes which influence the thermal state and the stress conditions in Europe. The development of innovative combinations of numerical and analogue modeling techniques is a key to thoroughly understand the spatial and temporal variations in crustal stress and temperature. For selected tectonic settings, marked by a specific deformation style, we discuss the relationship between key-factors in tectonic evolution and geothermal prospectivity. This relationship allows to approach in a rational fashion continent-scale exploration for geothermal resources and building hypothesis for thermal and mechanical characterization at depth. Further, through using deep subsurface lithosphere scale data and processes, the approach delivers valuable exploration constraints on the thermo-mechanical signature at deep depth levels and regions where near surface data is not reliable.