Knowledge of temperature at drillable depth is a prerequisite in site selection for geothermal exploration
and development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Equally important, the thermo-mechanical
signature of the lithosphere and crust provides critical constraints for the crustal stress field and basement
temperatures where borehole observations are rare. The stress and temperature field in Europe is subject
to strong spatial variations often linked to polyphase extensional and compressional reactivation of the
lithosphere, in different modes of deformation. The development of innovative combinations of numerical
and analogue modelling techniques is key to thoroughly understand the spatial and temporal variations in
crustal stress and temperature. In this paper we present an overview of advances in developing and
applying analogue and numerical thermo-mechanical models to quantitatively assess the interplay of
lithosphere dynamics and basin (de)formation. Field studies of kinematic indicators and numerical
modelling of present-day and paleo-stress fields in selected areas yield new constraints on the causes and
the expression of intraplate stress fields in the lithosphere, driving basin (de)formation. The actual basin
response to intraplate stress is strongly affected by the rheological structure of the underlying lithosphere,
the basin geometry, fault dynamics and interplay with surface processes. Integrated basin studies show
that the rheological structure of the lithosphere plays an important role in the spatial and temporal
distribution of stress-induced vertical motions, varying from subtle faulting to basin reactivation and large
wavelength patterns of lithospheric folding. These findings demonstrate that sedimentary basins are
sensitive recorders of the intraplate stress field. The long lasting memory of the lithosphere, in terms of
lithospheric scale weak zones, plays a far more important role in basin formation and reactivation than
hitherto assumed. A better understanding of the 3-D linkage between basin formation and basin
reactivation is, therefore, an essential step in connecting lithospheric forcing and upper mantle dynamics
to crustal vertical motions and stress, and their effect on sedimentary systems and heat flow. Vertical
motions in basins can become strongly enhanced, through coupled processes of surface erosion/
sedimentation and lower crustal flow. Furthermore, patterns of active thermal attenuation by mantle
plumes can cause a significant spatial and modal redistribution of intraplate deformation and stress, as a
result of changing patterns in lithospheric strength and rheological layering. The models provide useful
constraints for geothermal exploration and production, including understanding and predicting crustal
stress and basin and basement heat flow.
