An empirical relationship between thermal conductivity and elastic waves velocities in sedimentary rocks

Knowledge of thermal conductivity of rocks is necessary for geothermal energy extraction, for onderstanding the evolution of sedimentary basins, and for modeling petroleum generation and migration. Measuring thermal properties of rocks and rock-fluids in situ or in laboratory, is difficult and time consuming. Therefore, an indirect method for predicting thermal behaviour from more easily mesurable parameters would be extremely useful.