Using Remote Sensing for Geothermal Exploration

Geothermal energy has emerged as a sustainable and renewable energy source that can meet a significant portion of the world’s energy needs. Efficient site selection is crucial for successful geothermal exploration and development. Remote sensing technologies are essential for exploring, developing, and monitoring geothermal resources, offering valuable insights into the subsurface geology, thermal anomalies, and groundwater resources. This chapter presents an overview of remote sensing techniques that are commonly used in geothermal exploration and discusses the use of various remote sensing platforms, including satellites, aerial surveys, and ground-based sensors. It provides an overview of how thermal infrared imaging can detect surface temperature anomalies related to geothermal activity. It also explores the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to analyze surface topography and structural features that impact subsurface heat flow and fluid movement. Additionally, the chapter discusses the integration of remote sensing data with geospatial analysis and geophysical methods to delineate geothermal reservoirs. Lastly, the chapter highlights the wide-ranging applications of remote sensing in geothermics, including monitoring surface deformation, thermal gradients, and hydrothermal alteration zones, emphasizing its significance in resource exploration, reservoir characterization, and environmental monitoring within the geothermal energy sector.