Abstract
Electricity generation from geothermal sources is associated with geothermal fluid extraction and re-injection, resulting in surface changes/displacements horizontally and vertically (uplift or sinking) (Eneva, 2009). Besides, previous geodetic monitoring of geothermal production sites have shown large subsidence and horizontal displacement at tribute to thermal contraction, pressure reduction in the reservoir, and/or changes in the local stress field (Heimlich, Masson, & Gourmelen, 2013). Conventional surveying methods employed to measure the deformations of structures with small and slow displacements have often provided in frequent though precise estimates of these deformations. With the development of high precision GPS methods and Remote Sensing, an alternative method for monitoring structural deformations is available. Continuous GPS measurements technique with its higher temporal resolution is complemented with RADAR remote sensing so as to cover larger areas spatially. Citing case studies, this paper fronts the application of RADAR Remote Sensing complimented with continuous GPS measurements as an ideal way of monitoring deformations of geothermal fields for better geothermal field management. A similar proposition has been forwarded for approval in the management of Olkaria Geothermal Field which houses the largest geothermal power plant in Africa.
Highlights
There are many types of remote sensing techniques depending on the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that they are carried out
RADAR is an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging, which essentially characterizes the function and operation of a radar sensor
Satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar techniques have been used for quite some time to detect surface deformations
Summary
Deformation monitoring referred to as Deformation survey is the systematic measurement and tracking of the alteration in the shape or dimensions of an object as a result of stresses induced by applied loads. Remote sensing is the science (and to some extent, art) of acquiring information about the Earth's surface without being in contact with it This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information. Satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar techniques have been used for quite some time to detect surface deformations. Remote sensing that employs Radar Satellites constantly shoot beams of radar waves towards Earth that is documented after bouncing off Earth’s surface. As these waves bounce off Earth they provide information that can be used to obtain elevation or surface change. The surface deformation detected by any interferometric synthetic aperture radar technique is first measured in the Universal Journal of Geoscience 5(5): 138-141, 2017 line of sight to the satellite. Permanent scatter interferometry has been established to achieve precisions of less than 0.1mm/year (Eneva, 2009)
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