Numerical modeling of fluid and temperature in the Southern North Sea: Impact of faults and salt structures

Assessing geothermal potential requires a comprehensive understanding of subsurface fluid and heat flow. This study investigates fluid dynamics and heat transfer processes in the Southern North Sea, with a focus on the geological influences of faults and salt structures. Numerical simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent Software to analyze the temporal evolution of temperature distribution and fluid flow. The results reveal that faults, due to their high permeability, act as conduits that facilitate fluid migration. In contrast, salt diapirs significantly affect the thermal regime by enabling the rapid ascent of high-temperature fluids through their high thermal conductivity, while their low permeability allows them to function as seals, restricting fluid flow. These findings underscore the critical role of geological structures in shaping subsurface heat and fluid dynamics, offering valuable insights into the geothermal potential of the region.