Feedback between Temperature and Thermal Conductivity

In general, thermal conductivity is regarded as a material constant. However, as a result of strong heating or strong cooling, changes in the state of the materials can occur which also influence their thermal properties. In particular, gases generally have much lower thermal conductivities than liquids (see e.g. here: https://www.thermal-engineering.org/what-is-thermal-conductivity-of-water-and-steam-definition/). Such processes could lead to changes in the thermal properties of gas-bearing sediments in the offshore area as a result of both natural and anthropogenic influences. Reduced thermal conductivity due to increased gas content in the sediment could thereby prove problematic for the installation of offshore energy cables. This project is funded by the state of Bremen within the framework of the state program “Promotion of Research, Development and Innovation” (FEI) of the Senator for Economics, Labor and Europe of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.