Integrated remote sensing in determining areas of high geothermal potential in the exploration of the Amacan Geothermal Prospect, Philippines Jeffrey T. Bermido, Kevin G. Guillermo, Oliver A. Briola, Leonardo L. Morales, Releo D. Contemplacion, and Joeffrey A. Caranto Energy Development Corporation, One Corporate Center, Julia Vargas cor. Meralco Ave, Ortigas, Pasig City, Philippines
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[email protected] ABSTRACT Leonard Kniassef is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, located in the eastern portion of Mindanao Island. It is interpreted to host the high temperature Amacan geothermal system, known for its Quaternary volcanism set on a favorable structural environment. In order to identify priority areas for detailed exploration, this study integrated three remote sensing techniques with minor statistics application namely: lineament analysis, hydrothermal alteration, and thermal anomaly mapping. Digital elevation models were processed for the lineament analysis, where slope statistics were correlated with the underlying tectonics. Thermal Infrared Sensor Band 10 of Landsat 8 was also processed using a series of raster calculations to highlight areas with high surface temperatures. The Operational Land Imager (OLI) bands of Landsat 8 were also processed using composite and band ratio operations to highlight alteration zones and discriminate the type of alteration present. Combining the three remote sensing results, five priority areas are identified to have high geothermal potential and activity. These areas are recommended for more detailed geoscientific assessments. Keywords: remote sensing, geothermal exploration, lineament analysis, hydrothermal alteration, thermal mapping 1.