Infrared remote sensing of Earth degassing - Ground study

Abstract

Geodynamical processes often cause degassing at the Earth surface via mineral springs, water mofettes, or dry mofettes. It is assumed that the emerging gas influences the temperature of the soil at and around the dry gas vents. This causes a thermal anomaly in comparison to the close vicinity. Investigations have commenced to determine whether the effect can be utilised to detect gas emanations through airborne infrared imaging measurements. As a first approach, compressed air was lead into the ground and released in some depth. The thermal effect at the surface was observed by a thermovision camera. Furthermore field measurements have been conducted in the Western Bohemia (Czech Republic) earthquake swarm region where especially CO2 emanates.