Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

Modeling of a Low-Temperature Geothermal Field Using UAV-based TIR and RGB Images: A Case Study of Kocabaşlar Geothermal Field, Northwestern Türkiye

Abstract: Kocabaşlar geothermal field is located in Çanakkale province in northwestern Türkiye. A well was drilledto a depth of 650 m with a temperature of 46 °C. There is also a geothermal spring with a temperature of 38.1°C. The objective of this study was to model the Kocabaşlar geothermal field for the first time using an unmannedaerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a dual camera to capture high-resolution thermal infrared (TIR) and visible(RGB) images. The UAV survey was conducted on January 6, 2023, when the air temperature was low and themeteorological conditions were favorable for image acquisition. The flight altitude was 40 m above ground level, andthe flight speed was 2.5 m/s. Image front and side overlaps were 80% and 70%, respectively. As a result of processinga total of 1718 TIR and RGB images, a high-resolution TIR orthophoto (5.25 cm/pixel), an RGB orthophoto (1.37cm/pixel), and a digital surface model (5.47 cm/pixel) were generated. The generated images were visualized in Geographic Information Systems software. The surface temperature in the geothermal field varied between 6 °C and38 °C. The Kocabaşlar geothermal field will be monitored for an extended period using UAV technology in order tocontribute to the development and sustainability of the utilization areas for geothermal energy.