Data: The Foundation of the GHFDB Research Infrastructure
The Global Heat Flow Data Portal serves as a central and openly accessible research infrastructure for collecting, harmonizing, and sharing terrestrial heat flow and related thermal-geophysical data. It integrates both continental and marine datasets to support a wide range of Earth science applications—from geodynamics and geothermal energy to paleoclimate reconstruction and crustal modeling.
At its core lies a comprehensive database of scientifically curated heat flow values, maintained by the International Heat Flow Commission (IHFC) in collaboration with institutional and individual contributors from around the world. The portal distinguishes between:
- Primary data, reassessed and quality-controlled by IHFC and project partners
- Background data, integrated from external programs and reference databases
The Importance of Harmonization
Heat flow data are collected using diverse methods, often under varying conditions and standards. Historically, this has led to inconsistencies and gaps in metadata, documentation, and comparability.
With the IHFC 2024 database release, a globally coordinated effort led to a full-scale reassessment of published measurements, supported by a standardized and FAIR-compliant data model. This harmonization is essential to:
- Ensure reproducibility and traceability
- Enable filtering by methodological quality and uncertainty
- Support data integration across domains and models
- Preserve legacy data with modern standards
The digitization and curation of historical and modern data enables researchers to link and analyze information from thousands of previously fragmented studies—many dating back to the early 20th century and published in over 20 languages.
Where the Data Come From
The database brings together datasets from a broad spectrum of sources, including:
- Borehole and well measurements, both shallow and deep
- Oceanographic and marine heat probe data
- Public geological surveys and institutional compilations
- Scientific drilling programs (e.g., IODP, ICDP)
- Peer-reviewed publications and exploration reports
Most of these data represent expensive and resource-intensive research efforts, including ship-based campaigns and long-term monitoring programs. The database integrates them with rich metadata and correction documentation, making them reusable and transparent.
Data Collections & Data Quality Assurance
All services and products provided by the Global Heat Flow Data Research Infrastructure are based on curated datasets collected, cleaned, and maintained by the IHFC and a global network of researchers. Data is sourced from:
- Scientific literature
- Direct submissions by researchers and institutions
- Data commissioned or provided to IHFC for integration into the Global Heat Flow Database (GHFDB)
Every dataset undergoes a rigorous quality-control process led by IHFC experts and voluntary contributors, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and usability. The quality scheme of the Global Heat Flow Database is described in detail in Fuchs et al. (2023) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2023.229976
