Detection of Geothermal Potentials Using Thermal Remote Sensing In South Khorasan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

Thermal remote sensing as a branch of remote sensing science plays an important role in environmental studies. Thermal remote sensing is one of the low-cost methods against ground surveys in the remote areas that provide valuable information from the study area for researchers in the shortest possible time. Surface temperature mapping to identify and explore potential geothermal areas using thermal Infrared band is possible that provides the grounds for further exploratory studies. In this research, using imagery of Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensor, map of surface temperature anomalies provided and six regions were identified as geothermal potential. These areas with temperature about 2-5°C higher than background are as follow: the north of Ferdows, the south of Nayband village, the south of Gazik village, the southwest of Doroh, 18 kilometers from Dasht Bayaz and the south of Nehbandan. Also these areas have a very close relationship with other evidences in the presence of energy particularly faults and hot springs. This indicates the dominant role of faults as a thermal path for heat transfer from the interior to the surface. This study shows that South Khorasan province because of its special geographic and geology position has the appropriate and prone level for producing geothermal energy that with accurate management, the direct production and industrial applications of ​​clean energy and environmentally friendly could be provided in the area.  

Keywords