Applicability of Public Domain AG100: ASTER Global Emissivity Dataset 100-meter V003 for Geothermal Area Prospect Selection at Early Stage of Exploration

Abstract

Geothermal area is often characterized by elevated ground temperature observed from satellite remote sensing. Nowadays, such data is available freely from public domain and can be used directly for various studies including geothermal exploration. In this paper we present lessons learned from using ASTER Global Emissivity Dataset (ASTER GED) for geothermal prospect area selection in the early stage of exploration. Two geothermal areas, Patuha and Arjuno, were investigated for their temperature anomaly characteristics in ASTER GED images. The results reveal of prospect areas that are in agreement with elevated temperature in the images. Field checking confirmed the occurrences of geothermal manifestation such as hot springs, fumaroles or even subtle evidences such as warm ground at several centimeters depth in those areas. Some anomaly areas are subjected for further studies or site visits. We conclude that ASTER GED can be used as one of potentially powerful exploration data in early stage of geothermal exploration.