| The Global Heat Flow Database |

Revision 2020



In 2020, the IHFC initiated a fundamental revision of the Global Heat-Flow Database. The process involves a multi-national collaborating project (learn more about the working group heat-flow database). Here, you will find the relevant updates on the project status.

Step 1: Relocation | completed (04/2020) |

In April 2020, the Global Heat Flow Database, that has been maintained by the IHFC custodian, Will Gosnold, for the last 20 years at the server of the University of North Dakota, was moved to the official website of the IHFC.

Step 2: New database and adding data in progress

Schedule: 04/2020 - 03/2021

The IHFC has started to rebuild the database technically. During this process, given references are screened to identify missing data that will be added to the database.

What can you do?

If you know about new heat flow data being so far not part of the IHFC database, please contact us via heatflow@ihfc-iugg.org or use the submission form.

Step 3: Update literature database in progress

Schedule: 04/2020 - 05/2021

The global heat flow database contains nearly 1300 different references, which are usually given in short abbreviations and compact descriptions. The content of those entries shall be extended to their full bibliographic reference.

Work in progress (Start: 20 April 2020)


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process...

unchecked: 74%


What can you do?

We are currently subdividing the unidentified part of the literature compilation into small packages (datasheet) of 25 or 50 references.

  1. Write an email to heatflow@ihfc-iugg.org with the number 25 or 50 and your preferred file format (excel or csv/txt). You will receive the package and an upload link for the results.
  2. Search for the reference data online, use scopus, google scholar or web of science. For example “Zhang2018 + heat flow”
  3. Enter data found! Include (i) the citation, and (ii) the doi link or another publisher link if available into the file received. If you are not sure to have found the right reference, mark the entry.
  4. Save a reference file, if available. File formats: .enm, .ris, etc.
  5. Save a pdf file, if available
  6. Upload your results and send a notification about completion to heatflow@ihfc-iugg.org.
  7. Request more, if you are still motivated. :=)

Step 4: Collaborative development of the new database structure in progress

Schedule: 05/2020 - 04/2021

The revision of the database structure is open to any heat-flow expert worldwide. Irrespective of being an IHFC member or not, the working group is open to each scientist experienced with heat flow data.

What can you do?

If you want to join the process and if you are willing to put some work into the development of a new database structure, please contact us. Questions involved in this process are for example: what data are required to describe heat flow data sufficiently? What kind of meta-data is required for the development of a global heat-flow research data infrastructure? To address these questions efficiently, small thematic working groups will be set up focussing thermal properties (including heat production), temperature and temperature gradients, heat-flow determination, site-specific data, correction procedures, quality criteria, and other meta-data. A first initial online meeting was held in May 2020 to organize the on-going work in small thematic groups. Read the minutes for more information. Minutes for subsequent workshops can be find here as well.

Step 5: Reassessment of the global heat flow database

Schedule: Starting: early 2021?

Details related to the global reassessment will be announced here.

What can you do?

Stay tuned about updates to this step.

Step 6: A new heat flow data portal

A first heat-flow data viewer was added. More details will follow.