The lab is a facility maintained by the working group ‘Exploration of Thermal Geosystems’ of section 4.8. The lab produces data that are part of projects related to the analysis of the Earth temperature field. We measure thermal conductivity (TC), thermal diffusivity (TD) or volumetric heat capacity (RHOC) of dry and saturated rocks or geomaterials under ambient laboratory or in-situ temperature conditions. The following devices are available for measurements:

• Thermal conductivity scanner (TCS, for TC/TD, ambient laboratory conditions)
• Needle probe, transient line source (MP2, ambient p, T up to 50°C)
• Hotdisc, transient plane source (TPS1500, ambient p, T up to 600 °C)
• Laser-flash analysis (LFA 457, for TD, RHOC, ambient p, T up to 1100 °C)
• Dilatometer (DIL L75 HD, for RHO, ambient, T up to 1000 °C) - ab Q1/2024

We have a laboratory device in the testing that based on a modified pulse method and allows for dry and saturated rocks measurements at simultaneously raised pressure and temperature, respectively.

We have extensive lab experience with all types of rocks (sedimentary rocks, magmatic and metamorphic rocks). Saturation of rocks is accommodated with varying fluids (air, tap water, distilled water, heptane, etc.). The best raw material for analysis is full core, but thermal properties can be also measured from half core or cutting samples. For the preparation of samples the GFZ facilities are employed. We also provide service measurements. For information on sample analysis and conditions and processes contact us by email.