Research on the Application of Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing in the Coastal Geothermal Investigation of Fujian

With the growth in global energy demand and the depletion of traditional energy resources, geothermal energy, as a renewable and clean energy source, has attracted significant attention. Geothermal surveys are the first step in geothermal energy development, and accurately assessing and detecting underground geothermal resources is the key to geothermal surveys. 

Traditional geothermal survey methods are limited by factors such as time, space, and cost, making it impossible to comprehensively and accurately describe underground geothermal distribution. Thermal infrared remote sensing technology, with its high sensitivity, high resolution, and non-contact advantages, has become an important technical means in the field of geothermal surveys.

Principle of Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing

Thermal infrared remote sensing is a remote sensing technology that uses the infrared radiation information from the surface of objects to study the target. Geothermal energy is a manifestation of the earth's internal heat and can radiate through the surface. Thermal infrared remote sensing technology reflects the underground geothermal distribution by measuring the infrared radiation intensity on the surface of objects. 

In areas with uneven geothermal distribution, the infrared radiation intensity of the surface objects will also vary. By analyzing and processing thermal infrared remote sensing images, quantitative information about underground geothermal distribution can be obtained.

Application of Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing in the Geothermal Survey of Coastal Fujian

Acquisition of Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing Images

Thermal infrared remote sensing images are obtained through aerial or satellite remote sensing platforms. The coastal Fujian area is densely vegetated and has complex terrain. To acquire high-quality thermal infrared remote sensing images, spectral radiation calibration and temperature correction of the ground are required before image acquisition.

Analysis and Processing of Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing Images

The obtained thermal infrared remote sensing images are imported into remote sensing software for preprocessing and analysis. First, noise reduction is performed to remove interference noise from the image. Then, image enhancement is conducted to improve the contrast and clarity of the image. Finally, the image is classified and segmented into different object categories such as ground, vegetation, and water bodies.

Quantitative Evaluation of Geothermal Distribution

Through the analysis and processing of thermal infrared remote sensing images, quantitative information on underground geothermal distribution can be obtained. Based on the temperature variations of different object categories in the thermal infrared images, the distribution of underground geothermal energy can be determined. Thermal infrared remote sensing technology can provide quantitative evaluation indicators of geothermal potential, offering scientific evidence for the utilization and development of geothermal resources.

In the geothermal survey of coastal Fujian, thermal infrared remote sensing technology can accurately reflect the underground geothermal distribution. With its advantages of easy operation and intuitive results, thermal infrared remote sensing technology is suitable for large-scale geothermal surveys. The application of thermal infrared remote sensing technology can provide scientific evidence for the geothermal development in the coastal areas of Fujian.