Applications of remote sensing to groundwater hydrology

Abstract

Applications of remote sensing to groundwater hydrology are reviewed on the basis of published literature, lesser known accounts and the authors’ own experiences. The major application is to ground water exploration, but others include; subsidence monitoring and the location of thermal waters and steam for geothermal energy. Some of the electromagnetic techniques used for these applications are reviewed. These include: aerial and satellite photography, visible, near‐, middle‐ and thermal‐infrared scanner imagery and both imaging and ground‐penetrating radar. One of the main problem areas in the application of remote sensing to groundwater hydrology is related to the use of lineaments as an exploration guide. The definitions and concepts of lineaments, their geologic nature and hydrological function are discussed. It is concluded that despite some uncertainties and inconsistencies in the results, remote sensing is a useful technique for the study of groundwater hydrology and has aided the successful location of important groundwater resources.