Energy Geotechnics – Wuttke, Bauer & Sánchez (Eds)

© 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London, ISBN 978-1-138-03299-6

Geological models as a tool for the planning of deep geothermal projects

F. Hese, K. Lademann, P. Offermann, A. Schaller & C. Thomsen

LLUR SH, Geological Survey of Schleswig-Holstein, Flintbek, Germany

ABSTRACT: The prerequisite for a successful and effective operation of a geothermal facility is the choice of
the proper location based on the knowledge of geological conditions and processes. The Geological Survey of
Schleswig-Holstein supports the planning of future geothermal projects by evaluating the geothermal potential
of the deep underground. The main focus is to study sandstone formations within the middle Buntsandstein,
upper Keuper and middle Jurassic time periods and deep reaching fault zones. A state wide geological model
has been developed to map areas, which may be suited for geothermal applications and to provide a basis for
subsequent studies and applications. Geological modelling and reservoir characterization is carried out within
the scope of the research projects GeoPower, GeotIS-StörTief and TUNB.

1 INTRODUCTION

The Geological Survey of the federal state Schleswig-

Holstein (LLUR SH, Dept. 6 – Geology and Soil)
aims to support the development of a sustainable
and renewable energy/heat production. One focus is
the investigation of the geothermal potential of the
deep underground to provide planning tools for future
geothermal projects. Further interests are to study
potential locations for the storage of energy (e.g. pres-
surized air in salt caverns) and in general to facilitate
the discussion on underground use regulations.
The onshore part of the federal state Schleswig-
Holstein covers the northern part of the North German
Basin, enclosing one of the deepest subsidence
centers – the Glückstadt Graben. The NNE-N trend-
ing Graben is reaching depths of 6 to 10 km and
is characterized by abnormal high thicknesses of
Mesozoic units, by intense salt diapirism and nor-
mal faulting (e.g. Baldschuhn et al. 2001, Maystrenko
et al. 2005, Hese 2012). It is bounded to the West Figure 1. GeoPower and GeotIS-StörTief project areas,
by the Westschleswig Block and to the East by the distribution of salt diapirs and main structural units.
Eastholstein-Mecklenburg Block, less complex and
relatively shallow horizontal layered areas. We focus
on sandstone formations, which are potentially suited modelling is always complemented by reservoir char-
for hydrothermal utilization. Most relevant in this acterization to gain more detailed information on
region are sandstones of the middle Buntsandstein, lithological and hydraulic properties at well locations.
upper Keuper and middle Jurassic (e.g. Kaufhold et al. The evaluation of the geothermal potential is the result
2011). Furthermore we concentrate on deep reaching of a combined interpretation of geometrical, lithologi-
fault systems, which may represent permeable path- cal and petrophysical datasets. This contribution aims
ways for hot circulating fluids, and on salt diapirs, to present a recently developed statewide geological
whose development is closely related to faulting and 3d model, showing the overall structure, geothermal
sedimentation and which have an effect on structural, reservoir complexes and fault zones of the Glückstadt
geochemical or petrophysical properties (e.g. temper- Graben and adjacent areas.
ature field) of adjacent formations of the rim syncline.
Within the scope of past and recent R&D projects 2 DATA
geological 3d models have been developed, covering
the deep underground of Schleswig-Holstein and The knowledge of the underground structure of
locally the near surface underground. Geometrical Schleswig-Holstein is mostly based on deep wells and

149
reflection seismic data, which have been produced pri-
marily for hydrocarbon exploration between 1870 and
2007. The onshore part of Schleswig-Holstein is cov-
ered by 3234 seismic profiles, 2 seismic 3d surveys and
about 1600 wells. Within the past decades the North
German Basin has been investigated intensively by
various research projects (e.g. DFG Project SPP1135:
Dynamics of Sedimentary Basins under varying Stress
Regimes: The example of the Central European Basin,
Littke et al. 2008; The Millenium Atlas, Evans et al.
2002; DEKORP/Basin96, Bayer et al. 2002; Geotek-
tonischer Atlas von NW-Deutschland, Baldschuhn
et al. 2001). In the 80’s and 90’s Kockel and Bald-
schuhn et al. (2001) developed the Tectonic Atlas of
Northwest Germany, using wells and reflection seis-
mic profiles. The Atlas consists of 14 depth contour
maps of the base of lithostratigraphic units between the
middle Miocene and the Zechstein. Moreover it also
contains residual thickness maps of selected forma-
tions, geological profiles, reports and more. The data
of the Tectonic Atlas, wells and reflection seismic data
are the primary constraints for geological modelling
and reservoir characterization.
For data processing, data analysis and 3d modelling
we are using the Software GOCAD (Paradigm,Version
2009.4 and 2015). Due to the fact, that the industry data
has been mostly archived in an analog form and due
to the huge amount of datasets, the digitization pro-
cess is not finished yet. We set up all well objects with
horizon markers and relevant logs. Selected digitized
seismic sections have been set up and interpreted in
the time domain together with time converted wells.
All datasets of the digital Tectonic Atlas are prepared
for further applications as point data, line data, 2d
grids and voxets. These are depth contour and residual
thickness maps, distribution boundaries, fault traces
and geological profiles. Within a past research project
a statewide 3d model of the Tectonic Atlas of NW-
Germany has been constructed (Rosenbaum et al.
2012, Hese et al. 2012), which can be seen as a starting
model for further enhancements and developments.
3 GEOLOGICAL MODELLING
In past and recent modelling studies the datasets of
the Tectonic Atlas have been used as primary input
constraints. Well data is used for depth corrections
within the modelling workflow. Various relevant seis-
mic profiles have been analyzed to map the under-
ground structure, to gain insights into the content
and uncertainties of the Tectonic Atlas and to estab-
lish a seismostratigraphic connection to Denmark. The
direct use of seismic reflectors together with datasets
of the Tectonic Atlas is hampered by the fact, that the
seismic velocity model of the Tectonic Atlas (Jaritz
et al. 1991) is required for time to depth conversion in
order to avoid artificial depth differences. It might be
reconstructed in future.
The recent models are triangulated surfaces, form-
ing the boundaries of the geological objects. The aim
is a consistent model topology and a good agreement
150
with input constraints. Such a boundary representation
model can be used to construct volume models, e.g. 3d
voxets, stratigraphic 3d grids or tetrahedral meshes.
3.1 Interreg IVa project geopower: investigation of
the North German basin in the Danish-German
border region for the utilization of geothermal
energy
The aim of the project GeoPower was the evaluation of
the underground potential of the region Syddanmark /
Schleswig for the use of deep geothermal energy. It was
funded by the European Community in the scope of the
INTERREG VI A program Syddanmark-Schleswig-
K.E.R.N. and the European fund for regional develop-
ment. Project partners have been the LLUR SH (Dept.
6, Geological Survey of Schleswig-Holstein), GEUS
(Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland), the
Institute for Geosciences of the University of Aarhus
and the Institute for Geosciences of the University of
Kiel. The Geological Surveys of Schleswig-Holstein
and Denmark/Greenland investigated seismic profiles
and correlated relevant reflectors across the border.
Furthermore, well reports and logs have been analyzed
to gain information on the lithological composition,
thickness, porosity and permeability of sandstone for-
mations. The project focussed sandstone layers of the
middle Buntsandstein (Bunter Sandstone Fm.), upper
Keuper (Gassum Fm.) and middle Jurassic (Haldager
Sand Fm. absent in southern Denmark). Seismic data
and the Tectonic Atlas have been used to develop a
geological 3d model of the project area. The Institute
for Geosciences of the University of Aarhus used the
model to develop a 3d temperature model. Further-
more, the Institute for Geosciences of the University
of Kiel did geophysical measurements to close data
gaps in the Flensburg region.
In the Danish project area GEUS investigated about
260 seismic profiles to map lithostratigraphic hori-
zons, faults and salt structures. On the German side 65
relevant seismic profiles have been analyzed and used
to establish a connection between the horizons of the
Tectonic Atlas and Danish reflectors. In the next step
a seismic velocity model has been derived using well
logs and partly also stacking velocities to fill big data
gaps. After time to depth conversion of all reflectors
the comparison of depth contour maps on the German
side with seismic reflectors on the Danish side showed
only minor depth differences. A geological 3d model
has been built using the TectonicAtlas and Danish seis-
mic reflectors. It is showing the overall structure of the
northern Glückstadt Graben and the northern rim of
the North German Basin near the Ringköbing-Fünen-
High. Moreover, it provides insights into the spatial
distribution of the main geothermal reservoir com-
plexes and salt diapirs. The project also studied fault
zones. Due to data gaps and difficulties to correlate
faults between the seismic profiles they have not been
integrated into the 3d model but can be shown on maps.
The model has been used to produce map sets show-
ing the thickness and depth of reservoir complexes.
For 3d temperature modelling by researchers of the
Uni Aarhus the model geometry has been transferred
from GOCAD to FEFLOW and expanded by Pre-
Permian horizons. The model provides information of
the temperature field, especially within the range of
hydrothermal reservoir complexes (Fuchs & Balling
2016). The effect of the Zechstein salt diapirs is clearly
visible causing temperature anomalies due to the high
thermal conductivity of rock salt. Temperature map
sets have been produced for constant depths of 1, 2
and 3 km and also for the depths of the top boundaries
of hydrothermal reservoir complexes. In general the
temperatures are sufficient for heat supply. Despite
the gradual thinning and decreasing depths of the
reservoirs towards north, single sandstone layers are
exceeding a minimum thickness of 15 m at most well
locations (GeoPower working group 2015). Moreover,
collected porosity and permeability values of Dan-
ish and German sandstones are revealing a chance
for intermediate or good hydraulic conditions (e.g.
Mathiesen et al. 2009, 2013). The project provides
information on general trends of the underground
structure and conditions to rule out suitable loca-
tions. Nevertheless there is a need for more detailed
investigations to minimize uncertainties.
3.2 GeotIS-StörTief project: 3D modelling of the
Glückstadt Graben
The joint project GeotIS-StörTief is investigating the
role of deep reaching fault zones in the geothermal
energy use (LIAG Hannover, LLUR SH Flintbek,
KIT Karlsruhe). The Geological Survey of Schleswig-
Holstein is participating with a subproject, which aims
to study deep reaching fault zones, hydrothermal sand-
stone formations and faulted sandstone formations in
the Glückstadt Graben area. One aim is the develop-
ment of a structural 3d model of the Glückstadt Graben
to visualize the overall structure and especially fault
zones and reservoir complexes. The second aim is
the characterization of sandstone formations and fault
zones by investigation of well reports and logs. These
studies are complemented by interpreted seismic pro-
files. Finally the subproject aims to merge the results
from the different disciplines. We are working on the
question whether it is possible to enhance and expand
the structural model by interpolation and extrapolation
of parameters like lithology or sandstone thickness,
which are known at well locations.
The modelling workflow started with the construc-
tion of fault surfaces and hull surfaces of the salt
diapirs. Main constraints are depth projected fault
traces and salt diapir boundaries of the Tectonic Atlas.
In some areas seismic interpretations and detailed geo-
logical profiles have been used to aid the construction
of fault planes. The salt model has been corrected
and partly rebuild after the completion of covering
horizons. Triangulated surfaces of the base of the
lithostratigraphic units have been interpolated using
various constraints, most importantly depth and thick-
ness contour lines of the Tectonic Atlas. Within the
iterative fitting process the surfaces have been inter-
sected with fault and salt diapir surfaces. In addition
151
the base surfaces have been cut by distribution bound-
aries to adapt certain boundaries to unconformities.
After the first interpolation process they have been
corrected and manipulated in smaller regions to obtain
consistency, to model the fault throws and in gen-
eral to optimize the surface boundary contacts. The
final model is set up by fault planes, hull surfaces of
salt diapirs and 12 lithostratigraphic horizons, which
are: base Tertiary, upper Cretaceous, lower Creta-
ceous, upper Jurassic, middle Jurassic, lower Jurassic,
upper Keuper, lower Keuper, upper Buntsandstein,
middle Buntsandstein, lower Buntsandstein and Zech-
stein (Fig. 2). The model will be integrated into
the Geothermal-Information-System GeotIS (LIAG,
Hannover). Moreover it provides a structural frame for
possible future studies or applications (e.g. tempera-
ture modelling or numerical simulation of processes).
The investigation of the deep and shallow under-
ground is continued within the framework of the
TUNB Project (Deep Underground North German
Basin), which is coordinated by the Federal Insti-
tute for Geosciences and Natural Resources Germany
(BGR, Hannover). Project partners are the Geologi-
cal Surveys of the federal states of northern Germany.
The aim is the development of a geological 3d model
of the North German Basin and the parameterization
of formations and structures, which are relevant for
utilization.
4 GEOLOGICAL MODELS FOR
GEOTHERMAL PLANNING TOOLS
Hydrothermal reservoir formations are sandstone lay-
ers which must fulfill lithological and petrophysical
requirements to enable a successful hydrothermal
project. It is necessary to estimate relevant param-
eters like depth, thickness, composition, porosity,
permeability and temperature. Geothermal 3d Geo-
Information-Systems (e.g. GeotIS, Project GeoRG)
aim to provide data to rule out areas, which might
be relevant for hydrothermal utilization. A geologi-
cal 3d model provides a structural frame for a 3d
Information-System and is used to visualize the dis-
tribution, depth and thickness of reservoir complexes.
When a volume model of reservoir complexes is com-
bined with a 3d temperature model it is possible to
do spatial requests. For example one can extract vol-
umes which are fulfilling criterias like a depth range
of 800–3000 m and minimum temperatures of 50◦ C.
A reservoir complex is a generalized description of a
formation which is characterized by an intercalation
of shale and sandstone layers. It is important to get
information on the thickness of a single contiguous
sandstone layer. Therefore, a geological model should
be complemented by additional more detailed param-
eters of single sandstone layers within the reservoir
complexes, unfortunately these are commonly only
known at well locations. The question is, whether a 3d
mapping of the thickness variation of a single sand-
stone layer can and should be done in a statewide
Figure 2. Geological 3d model of the Glückstadt Graben and adjacent areas. The pre-Cretaceous horizons are shown here
together with fault planes and the model of the salt diapirs (V.E.: x3).
scale. Increasing uncertainties arise due to the poor
well data coverage in domains, which are character-
ized by complex facies changes or synsedimentary
tectonic activity and subsidence. At least in specific
domains it appears to be acceptable to include single
sandstone layers into a geological model. Important
parameters are also the porosity and permeability of
sandstones. Due to the sparseness of the porosity and
permeability data and the facies controlled variability
3d mapping is not possible. Momentarily, the visu-
alization of summarized trends (porosity vs. depth,
porosity vs. permeability) aims to give insights into
the parameter range.
A geological model shows distinct boundaries of
rock formations, although seismic sections are often
disturbed e.g. in faulted areas or in the vicinity of salt
domes. A quantitative visualization of the geometrical
uncertainty is desirable and necessary to be able to
assess the significance of the model. The estimation of
the uncertainty remains a difficult task due to the huge
amount of causes and influences (e.g. data distribution
and resolution, seismic processing and interpretation,
velocity model). In a first approach, an incomplete
uncertainty estimate would be a useful contribution.
5 CONCLUSIONS
The Geological Survey of Schleswig-Holstein is work-
ing on the evaluation of the geothermal potential of the
underground. Past and recent research projects lead to
the development of a new geological 3d model of the
onshore area of SH, which provides information of the
overall structure, distribution, thickness and depth of
reservoir complexes, extent of main fault systems and
152
salt diapirs. In addition, more detailed information of
lithological and petrophysical properties of sandstone
formations have been determined at well locations
using reports and logs.
The modelling concept is an enhancement and
expansion of the Tectonic Atlas of NW-Germany. The
Tectonic Atlas is a very valuable dataset and a great
achievement, which provides a seamless interpretation
of thousands of seismic sections and wells. Never-
theless it is necessary to step forward in order to
increase the level of detail and geometrical certainty.
Today, the 3d modelling software allows a synoptic
visualization and interpretation of different datasets
and offers a variety of tools and workflows to build
models. The spatial consistency check during geolog-
ical modelling was an important correction step to
decrease uncertainties. The recently finished model of
the deep underground of Schleswig-Holstein is almost
consistent in a topological and geological sense. The
geometrical accuracy of the model depends on the
given scale of the input data (1:300.000) and is vary-
ing locally, mostly influenced by seismic and well
data coverage and resolution, structural complexity
and depth. The visualization of the model accuracy
(or uncertainty) remains a future aim and matter of
research. The model will be enhanced in future. One
aim is to reach a higher level of detail, especially in the
shallow Tertiary underground area. It is also planned
to enhance and expand the fault model.
For the use of new seismic interpretations together
with data of the Tectonic Atlas, we aim to reconstruct
the seismic velocity model which was used for the
Tectonic Atlas (Jaritz et al. 1991). Finally, the velocity
model might be enhanced to optimize the time to depth
conversion. We are investigating also, how to integrate
single sandstone units (e.g. Volpriehausen-Quickborn
sandstone) into the geological model and whether a 3d
mapping of other relevant parameters is possible.
REFERENCES
Baldschuhn, R., Frisch, U., Kockel, F. 2001. Geotek-
tonischer Atlas von Nordwest-Deutschland und dem
deutschen Nordsee-Sektor – Strukturen, Strukturentwick-
lung, Paläogeographie. – Geologisches Jahrbuch, A 153,
mit 3 CD ROMs, Hannover (BGR).
Bayer, U., Scheck, M., Rabbel, W., Krawczyk, C.M., Götze,
H.-J., Stiller, M., Beilecke, T., Marotta, A.M., Barrio-
Alvers, L. & Kuder J. 2002. An integrated study of the
NE German Basin. – Tectonophysics, 314 (1–3): 285–307,
Amsterdam.
Evans, D., Graham, C., Armour, A., Bathurst, P. 2002.
The Millenium Atlas: Petroleum Geology of Central &
Northern North Sea: 390 S., London: GSL.
Fuchs, S., Balling, N. 2016. Improving the temperature
predictions of subsurface thermal models by using high-
quality input data. Part 1: Uncertainty analysis of the
thermal-conductivity parameterization. Geothermics (IF
2014: 2.949), in review.
Fuchs, S., Balling, N. 2016. Improving the temperature
predictions of subsurface thermal models by using high-
quality input data. Part 2: A case study from the Danish-
German border region. Geothermics (IF 2014: 2.949), in
review.
Hese, F. 2012. 3D Modellierungen und Visualisierung von
Untergrundstrukturen für die Nutzung des unterirdischen
Raumes in Schleswig-Holstein. Dissertation, Christian-
Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel.
Jaritz, W., Best, G., Hildebrand, G, Jürgens, U. 1991.
Regionale Analyse der seismischen Geschwindigkeiten
153
in Nordwestdeutschland. – Geologisches Jahrbuch, E 45:
23–57, Hannover.
Kaufhold, H., Hable, R., Liebsch-Dörschner, T., Thom-
sen, C. 2011. Verbreitung und Eigenschaften mesozois-
cher Sandsteine sowie überlagernder Barrieregesteine in
Schleswig-Holstein und Hamburg – Basisinformationen
zur energiewirtschaftlichen Nutzung des tieferen Unter-
grundes. – SDGG, 74, Stuttgart.
GeoPower working group 2015. GeoPower Erdwärme für
die Region Südjütland – Schleswig. Schriftenreihe LLUR
SH – Geologie und Boden: 21, www.llur.schleswig-
holstein.de, Flintbek.
Littke, R., Bayer, U., Gajewski, D., Nelskamp, S. 2008.
Dynamics of Complex Intracontinental Basins: The Cen-
tral European Basin System: 590 S., Berlin/Heidelberg:
Springer.
Mathiesen, A., Kristensen, L., Bidstrup, T., Nielsen, L.
H. 2009. Vurdering af det geotermiske potentiale i
Danmark. – Danmarks og Grønlands Geologiske Under-
søgelse Rapport 2009/59, Kopenhagen.
Mathiesen A., Kristensen L., Møller Nielsen C., Weibel R.,
Leth Hjuler M., Røgen B., Mahler A., Nielsen L. H. 2013.
Assessment of sedimentary geothermal aquifer parame-
ters in Denmark with focus on transmissivity – European
Geothermal Congress, Pisa, Italy.
Maystrenko, Y., Bayer, U., Scheck-Wenderoth, M. 2005.
The Glueckstadt Graben, a sedimentary record between
the North and Baltic Sea in north Central Europe. –
Tectonophysics, 397: 113–126, Amsterdam.
Rosenbaum, S., Hese, F., Liebsch-Dörschner, T., Offermann,
P., Rheinländer, J., Thomsen, C. 2012. Geologische Mod-
elle der Deck- und Speichergesteine Schleswig-Holsteins.
Schlussbericht des Teilvorhabens M6 im Rahmen des Ver-
bundprojektes CO2 -MoPa, Vorhaben: Dimensionierung
und Risikoanalysen bei der CO2 -Speicherung – Sonder-
programm GEOTECHNOLOGIEN; 107 S., LLUR SH,
Flintbek.