| Abstract |
Geothermal energy is a promising sustainable resource, particularly in regions with active volcanic systems. However, conventional thermal remote sensing techniques often face limitations in tropical environments due to dense vegetation, persistent cloud cover, and subtle surface expressions of geothermal activity. This study evaluates the potential of multitemporal vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 imagery—specifically NDVI, EVI, SAVI, and REP—as indicators of geothermal surface features. Focusing on the Mount Papandayan geothermal field in West Java, Indonesia, time series analysis from January 2019 to January 2025 is conducted, with a focus on forested areas to reduce anthropogenic influence. Vegetation index trends are assessed seasonally and are being validated using ground-based data, including geological structures and soil gas concentrations (Radon and Mercury) from the Geological Agency of Indonesia. Spatial analysis integrates remote sensing outputs with geothermal field data to explore correlations between vegetation stress, fault systems, and gas anomalies. The outcomes of this research will be presented, highlighting the potential of vegetation dynamics as a complementary tool for geothermal exploration in tropical environments. |