Spectroscopy framework and review of characterization of energy resource sites

Site characterization and rapid reliable identification of energy resources play a key role for future efficient energy production. Over the last several decades, many laboratory and in-situ techniques were developed to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the sites and minerals. Despite the advancements, there are still many challenges associated with exploration, rapid detection, and spatial interpolation of the energy resources within a site. Spectroscopy techniques offer solutions to the current on-going efforts on site characterization, exploration and collection of resources, quality control monitoring during production, and reclamation of the production sites due to environmental contamination. Spectral analysis has shown great promise in providing in-situ measurements that are comparable to arduous laboratory physio-chemical analysis. Spectroscopy is a fairly new technology in some sectors and has seen limited use but has shown great potential in exceeding the minimum standards implemented. This paper presents review of the current spectroscopy techniques that have been used in the agriculture, landfill, nuclear power, mining, and ground contamination industries with respect to the production of energy. A general overview of how spectral analysis techniques are being used to benefit each of these sectors along with some of the drawbacks associated with each is presented. Three frameworks including basic process, operation flowchart, minimum number of tests to be performed, and information on spatial interpolation analysis are presented. These frameworks along with the basic processes can be implemented for characterization of energy resource sites.