10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
[SRD24-P04] An experiment for geothermal exploration using remote sensing in Japan
Keywords:geothermal energy, remote sensing, Japan, vegetation
The amount of geothermal energy stored in Japan is estimated to be the third largest in the world. In contrast to the development of other renewable energies, the facility's introduction is lagging and exceptionally slow. However, it is necessary to install a geothermal power plant as a base power source that is not affected by seasons and weather, and because the facility can serve as a hub for transmission lines.
One of the factors behind the delay in advocating the construction of geothermal power generation facilities is the difficulty of geothermal exploration. Many geothermal reservoirs are located in national parks and alpine areas in Japan, making wide-area exploration difficult.
Remote sensing is thus a useful technique. Remote sensing used for geothermal exploration is most effective for the exploration of hydrothermally modified minerals. However, in Japan, the ground surface is covered with forests, so this method cannot be applied. On the other hand, there is research that investigates the relationship between vegetation and heavy metals in the exploration of mining resources and leads to resource exploration by the transition of the green band. Therefore, in this research, we are conducting laboratory experiments and surveys to clarify the relationship between water quality, soil quality, and vegetation, which are often found in geothermal areas in Japan. Ultimately, based on this method, we would like to connect it to geothermal exploration.
One of the factors behind the delay in advocating the construction of geothermal power generation facilities is the difficulty of geothermal exploration. Many geothermal reservoirs are located in national parks and alpine areas in Japan, making wide-area exploration difficult.
Remote sensing is thus a useful technique. Remote sensing used for geothermal exploration is most effective for the exploration of hydrothermally modified minerals. However, in Japan, the ground surface is covered with forests, so this method cannot be applied. On the other hand, there is research that investigates the relationship between vegetation and heavy metals in the exploration of mining resources and leads to resource exploration by the transition of the green band. Therefore, in this research, we are conducting laboratory experiments and surveys to clarify the relationship between water quality, soil quality, and vegetation, which are often found in geothermal areas in Japan. Ultimately, based on this method, we would like to connect it to geothermal exploration.