Heat flow (Earth) refers to the conductive and convective transfer of thermal energy from Earth’s interior to its surface, quantified as heat flux (typically in mW/m²). It arises from the decay of radiogenic isotopes (primarily U, Th, K) in the crust and mantle, residual primordial heat from accretion and core formation, and secular cooling of the core. Measured using borehole temperature gradients and thermal conductivity of rocks, terrestrial heat flow constrains models of lithospheric thickness, mantle convection, plate tectonics, and the global energy budget, and is spatially heterogeneous, with elevated values at mid-ocean ridges and volcanic regions and lower values in stable cratons.
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