A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA'S GEOTHERMAL POTENTIAL ZONES USING LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE

Abstract

The exploration of renewable energy resources is crucial for meeting the increasing energy demands of developing regions, particularly in North-Eastern Nigeria, where energy shortages persist. This study provides a preliminary assessment of geothermal potential zones in the region by analyzing land surface temperature (LST) patterns derived from satellite-based remote sensing data. Utilizing Landsat datasets, the spatial and temporal distribution of LST was examined to identify geothermal anomalies indicative of subsurface heat sources. Key geospatial techniques, including thermal anomaly mapping and integration with geological and tectonic data, were employed to delineate areas of potential geothermal interest. Images encompassing the study area were obtained and processed using ArcGIS's raster calculator basic tool to estimate the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) of the study region. The findings revealed vegetation covers that can be used as an indicator of geothermal surface manifestation by assessing the leaf condition associated with the geothermal system below the surface. Geothermal anomalies were suggested by the data, which showed little vegetation and a high temperature of roughly 24 °C throughout the study area. Results highlight several hotspots, particularly along fault zones and regions with volcanic features, which align with areas of known tectonic activity. These findings suggest a promising potential for geothermal energy exploration in North-Eastern Nigeria, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Further geophysical investigations and field studies are recommended to validate these preliminary findings and assess the feasibility of harnessing geothermal energy in the identified zones. This research provides a foundation for renewable energy exploration in North-Eastern Nigeria, offering valuable insights for sustainable energy development in the region, and contributes also to the growing body of research on renewable energy resources in Sub-Saharan Africa and underscores the importance of geothermal energy as a viable solution for sustainable development in the region.