Application of remote sensing technology to geothermal exploration

Renewable energy exploration and development is currently enjoying new interest as the nation seeks to lessen its dependence on foreign oil sources. Geothermal energy is competitive in areas where high heat flow and crustal water circulation combine to provide a readily accessible resource. Nevada in particular has abundant potential for geothermal energy development. The effort at present within the Department of Energy is focused on reducing the cost per kilowatt-hour (Kwh) by enhancing energy production at existing sites and bringing new resources on line. Our work seeks to define surface indicators of geothermal resources through analysis of characteristic mineral, vegetation, and thermal properties at known source regions and to establish markers of potential in other areas. Geothermal indicators amenable to remote sensing include mineral spectral signatures as well as thermal anomalies mapped in both nighttime and corrected day/night imagery. For our analysis we use a variety of data sets from both airborne and spaceborne platforms. Our research has concentrated on two established geothermal sites—Steamboat Springs and Bradys Hot Springs in Nevada. We have also examined data of the Dixie Valley and Buffalo Valley geothermal areas. We have used two primary methods of analysis: 1) combined day and nighttime imagery for thermal anomalies and 2) spectral analysis to determine diagnostic surface mineral absorption features to create mineral maps. These two methods have been merged using GIS techniques at Steamboat and Bradys. Application of remote sensing technology to geothermal exploration