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Geothermal gradient identification and geology

The rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth, averaging approximately 25–30°C per kilometer in continental crust. The geothermal gradient varies significantly depending on tectonic setting: it is high in volcanic and rift zones up to 100°C/km and low in stable cratons 15–20°C/km . It controls the depth at which metamorphism, partial melting, and petroleum generation occur. Field: geochemistry. Example: The high geothermal gradient in Iceland over 100°C/km in some areas results from the island's position over a mantle plume on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, enabling the country to generate approximately 25% of its electricity from geothermal power.. Related terms: Heat flow, Geothermal, Metamorphism, Crust.

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T15:19:42.127987+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • USGS Thesaurus — U.S. Geological Survey. Controlled earth-science terminology used to describe USGS information resources.
  • Glossary of Geologic Terms — U.S. National Park Service. Geologic definitions prepared by the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory.

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Common questions

What does Geothermal gradient mean in geology?
The rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth, averaging approximately 25–30°C per kilometer in continental crust. The geothermal gradient varies significantly depending on tectonic setting: it is high in volcanic and rift zones up to 100°C/km and low in stable cratons 15–20°C/km . It controls the depth at which metamorphism, partial melting, and petroleum generation occur.
What is an example of Geothermal gradient?
The high geothermal gradient in Iceland over 100°C/km in some areas results from the island's position over a mantle plume on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, enabling the country to generate approximately 25% of its electricity from geothermal power.
Which earth-science field uses the term Geothermal gradient?
Geothermal gradient is used in geochemistry.
Which terms are related to Geothermal gradient?
Related terms in this reference are Heat flow, Geothermal, Metamorphism, Crust.

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