New perspective on the geothermal potential of Wikki Warm Spring, Northeastern Nigeria, from remote sensing and radiometric data

• Published in: Acta geophysica 2024-06, Vol.72 (3), p.1867-1878
• Main Authors: Salawu, Naheem Banji, Eluwole, Akinola Bolaji, Fajana, Akindeji Opeyemi, Orosun, Muyiwa Michael, Adebiyi, Leke Sunday, Salawu, Jibril Olarotimi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basements; Clean energy; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Energy sources; Geophysics/Geodesy; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Geothermal energy; Geothermal power; Geothermal resources; Heat; Heat sources; Land surface temperature; Landsat; Monte Carlo simulation; Remote sensing; Renewable energy; Research Article - Hydrology and Hydraulics; Satellite imagery; Seasonal variations; Structural Geology; Surface temperature; Sustainable energy; Temperature variations; Terrain
• ISSN: 1895-7455; 1895-6572; 1895-7455
• DOI: 10.1007/s11600-023-01098-1

The Wikki Warm Spring is one of the promising locations for the development of geothermal projects in Nigeria. Radiometric and remote sensing data were interpreted to enhance the understanding of the factors controlling the geothermal energy sources in the Wikki Warm Spring. Thus, mapping locations of concealed heat sources offer concentration areas for follow-up geothermal exploration. Landsat-8 imagery was used to produce the land surface temperature (LST) map, which reveals surface temperature variation that ranges from 50 to 95 °C. In comparison, the radiogenic heat map of the region generated from the radiometric data of the study area shows radiogenic heat production rate, which ranged from less than 0.69 to above 3.91 µWm −3 . The radiogenic heat and LST maps show similar features, indicating that Basement Complex terrain exhibits high radiogenic and surface temperature than the Benue Trough. Monte Carlo simulation reveals statistical values that suggest that the most likely radiogenic heat value is 1.95 µWm −3 around the warm spring, the highest possible (best case scenario) heat value is 2.23 µWm −3 , and the least possible value (worst case scenario) is 1.69 µWm −3 . The Basement Complex terrain northwest of the warm spring produced high radiogenic heat, generating values above 3.91 μWm −3 . The outcome of this investigation is very important for explorationists to institute sustainable geothermal energy mitigation plans and produce a clean and renewable energy in Wikki Warm Spring.