Thermal applications

BGR thermal remote sensing activities focus on projects regarding

• prospection of geothermal energy,
• integrative water resource management (IWRM) and
• lithological–mineralogical mapping .

Detail of a thermal image map with freshwater leakage (T17 ° C) and mixing zones with salt water (14 ° C> T <17 ° C) on the western shore of the Dead Sea

Thermal remote sensing acquires spatial geodata, which represent an important interpretation basis for a range of applications. In combination with additional geophysical measurements, thermal remote sensing is used in international technical cooperation projects, such as geothermal energy research (GEOTHERM Kenya, Menengai and Silali) and in cooperation with other research institutions on the sustainable management of water (UFZ SUMAR Dead Sea).

The used cameras sensors are up to now airborne digital cameras, which acquire the earth surface emitted electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 8 to 14 µm. The acquired emission values are transferred into temperature values. Ground resolution per pixel depends according to technical requirement from 1 to 10 meter.

Thermal airborne surveys support activities and projects as above as well as the planning of geochemical ground sampling in areas difficult to access.
The processed temperature distribution maps show precise positions of

• Small scale freshwater sources in saline or brackish environments, onshore as well as in water
• Geothermal energy outlets as gases (Fumaroles) or liquids (hot springs)