Influence of Temperature Variability in the Near-Bottom Layer on the Results of Geothermal Measurements in the Kvitøya Trough (Barents Sea)

Abstract

According to a study of the thermal variability of the water column in the Kvitøya trough (northern part of the Barents Sea), substantial water temperature fluctuations in the near-bottom layer were found, both seasonal and interannual, which affect the temperature distribution in the upper layer of bottom sediments and, therefore, the results of geothermal measurements. The contribution of temperature fluctuations at the water–sediment boundary to the values of conductive heat flow measured during cruise 25 of the R/V Akademik Nikolaj Strakhov was calculated. Endogenous heat flow was determined.