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MAIN ADVANCES AND NEEDS ON THE STUDY OF GEOTHERMAL
RESOURCES IN CHILE BY USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES
Mauricio Araya F.*, Raymundo Piracés L.** and Mario Pardo P.*
* Departamento de Geología y Geofisica, Facultad de
Ciencias Fisicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile.
Casilla 2777. Santiago, Chile. ** PROMINAS Ltda, ,
Av. L. Bernardo O'Higgins , Of.l126.Santiago,Chile.
ABSTRACT
Successful preliminar results have been obtained in several pilot ex-
periences related with the study of geothermal in Los Andes Range, Chile by using
remote sensing techniques. These results are related with the prospection and
explorationa stages of a geothermal field. Multispectral and multitemporal satel-
lite and aereal photographies and images have been used for these purposes. Based
on these positive results, a general global program will be intended to study geo
thermal resources along the whole country. This methodology could also be applied
to other countries along Los Andes Range. The main aspects of the performed ex-
periences and the future activities related with this global program are included
in this paper.
INTRODUCTION
The successful development of several pilot projects to study geotherm
al resources in Los Andes Range, Chile has allowed to think in the application of
a national program that could include the monitoring of other related parameters,
such as snow-water resources and regional geology and volcanism and its relation
with seismic zonification along Chile. Because the Facultad de Ciencias Físicas
y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile (Faculty of Physics and Mathematics Sciences,
University of Chile) through its Remote Sensing Section has been engaged in these
pilot experiences, it is quite feasible to share the information obtained in all
these projects to accomplish this general objective. The pilot experiences that
will be summarized below have been performed with the valuable cooperation of se-
veral Chilean institutions mainly: Servicio Aerofotogramétrico de la Fuerza Aérea
de Chile (Aerophotogrammetric Service of Chilean Air Force), Comité Geotérmico de
CORFO ( Geothermal Committee of CORFO), Dirección General de Aguas del Ministerio
de Obras Püblicas (National Water Survey, DGA), Instituto Antártico Chileno (Chi-
lean Antarctic Institute, INACH), Servicio de Desarrollo Cientifico de la Univer-
sidad de Chile (Service for Scientific Development, Universitu of Chile), División
NASA de Universidad de Chile (NASA Division, University of Chile).
Geothermal pilot zone have been studied to determine methodologies to
be used in the detailed studies of previously identified goethermal fields (ex-
ploration stage) and in the identification of new geothermal fields (prospection
stage). The use of airborne remote sensors (multiband camera and thermal IR scan
ner) has been successfully experienced in El Tatio geothermal field, North Zone
of Chile. The prospection of potential areas of geothermal activity has been suc-
cessfully intended in Del Maule Lagoon area, Central Zone of Chile, by using mul-
tispectral and multitemporal satellite images. By now, more pilot areas are being
studied to obtain a general methodology valid for the whole country. The main as-
pects of these experiences and the future activities are summarized as follows.
EXPLORATION STAGE: USE OF AIRBORNE REMOTE SENSORS FOR THE
DETAILED STUDY OF IDENTIFIED GEOTHERMAL FIELDS, EL TATIO
El Tatio geothermal field, about 1,200 km North from Santiago (Fig.1)
Was selected as a test area for this detailed study because this geothermal field
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