Abstract
Geothermal energy is part of the renewable energy mix. It is used for heating, air conditioning and sometimes even for the production of electricity. Prospecting for such a resource proves to be a difficult and capital-intensive task. To overcome this constraint, we have used remote sensing which is an adequate tool to guide the prospecting through the elaboration of hydrothermal resource potential maps at the level of zones that present a favorable potential for exploitation (hyper-tectonized sites, volcanic sites, faulted sites, sites with hot geological formations, seismic zones...). The objective of this work is to carry out a study on the North-East of Morocco (Berkane Province), in order to identify favorable sites for geothermal exploitation such as geologically and hydrogeologically active sites. The methodology adopted consists in processing the images of the OLI (Operational Land Imager) and TIRS (Thermal Infrared Sensor) sensors of the Landsat-8 satellite in order to extract spectral indices (Clay mineral Index and Ferrous mineral Index,) detecting a geothermal activity and the surface temperature map (LST) using muticriteria analysis method (MCA). ) in the north-eastern part of Morocco. The results obtained show an almost perfect concordance of the distribution of the above-mentioned indices, with the map of lineaments which are considered as heat drains from the depth to the surface. Moreover, a correct correlation was established during the validation of these results with the map of the inventory of hydrothermal springs identified in the study area.
Highlights
Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the subsurface of the earth and generates geological phenomena on a planetary scale
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that remote sensing provides initial information about the identification of sites suitable for geothermal exploitation in the Moroccan northeast, such as geologically and hydrogeologically active sites, based on the mapping of existing hydrothermal zones, hot springs [6], and surface temperature
This study is based on the processing and interpretation of a Landsat 8 scene which embeds two measuring instruments, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS)
Summary
Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the subsurface of the earth and generates geological phenomena on a planetary scale. It is contained in the rocks and fluids under the earth’s crust and can be found as far down to the earth’s hot molten rock, magma. North Eastern Morocco is one of the most important geothermal fields in the country This part of the country is characterized by high residual magnetic anomalies related to widespread Quaternary volcanism. This is why we chose to conduct our study in this area [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
