A remote sensing-based study for the identification of areas with geothermal potential in volcanic areas: Case study of the Rutshuru,Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background: The East African Rift System is a geodynamically active region with significant geothermal energy potential. Rutshuru territory in the North Kivu province of the DRC is considered a promising area for geothermal exploration. However, limited studies have been conducted to assess its geothermal resources systematically. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the geothermal potential of Rutshuru by analyzing geological lineaments and related surface indicators using remote sensing techniques in order to delineate Geothermal Potential Areas. Methods: This study used satellite data from Landsat 8 and ASTER to identify geothermal potential zones. Landsat 8’s Thermal Infrared Sensor bands 10 and 11 were processed to generate Land Surface Temperature maps, helping detect surface thermal anomalies. ASTER GDEM (30 m resolution) was used for automatic extraction of geological lineaments. ASTER VNIR Band 3, combined with Landsat 8 OLI Band 4, supported principal component analysis to highlight structural features. Results: The analysis revealed the following key findings: (i) The thermal spring is located near areas with low NBI values and is intersected by multiple lineaments-oriented N-S, NW-SE, NE-SW, and W-E, with lengths ranging from 321 to 600 m. (ii) Lineament density ranges from 0.036 to 4.122 km/km², with hot spots reaching 3.283 km/km². (iii) LST values vary between 10 and 36.52°C; 33.3% of permeable zones are located in high LST areas, while 66.7% lie in lower LST zones. (iv) NBI values range from −0.007 to 0.517. (v) LSTA maps show high anomalies in the extreme northeast and low values in the northern and southern parts. (vi) GPA values range from −0.736 to 0.874, indicating zones of varying geothermal potential. Conclusion: The study confirms that Rutshuru possesses zones with high geothermal potential. These findings enhance understanding of the spatial correlation between geological structures and geothermal activity. It offers valuable guidance for future geothermal exploration.