This book now in its second edition offers a comprehensive and modern treatment on the
background knowledge of heat transfer processes in the lithosphere. In the light of the success
of the first edition several chapters of the book have been revised and the book has been
enriched with a new chapter on geothermal methods used for the inference of past climate
changes.The book starts with a brief review of global tectonics and of the structure of the
crust and upper mantle. Then the theory of heat conduction as well as the thermal properties
and the methods for the determination of thermal conductivity and radiogenic heat are
introduced. Subsequently the geothermal flow and the thermal state of the lithosphere and deep
interior are analyzed. The formation upwelling mechanisms solidification and cooling of
magmas which can be a fundamental heat source in many geothermal systems are reviewed.
Analytical methods used for gaining information on heat and groundwater flow from the analyses
of temperature depth data are also covered. Data and practical examples are supplied to
facilitate the understanding of the different topics.The book is intended for Earth science
graduate students and researchers.
