Remote Sensors for Hydrogeologic Prospecting in Arid Terrains

An examination of remote sensing literature shows that little has been done to apply newer remote sensors to water prospecting. Hydrologic and geothermal principles indicate that heat-sensitive remote sensors like the infrared line scanner and the microwave radiometer have useful potential in arid hydrogeologic studies. An experimental test is described in which results of remote sensing are presented for four arid areas in the western United States: Railroad Valley and the Las Vegas Basin in Nevada, Death Valley in California, and the Hueco Mountains in Texas. In the test the primary remote sensors are the infrared line scanner, 8-14 microns, and a 13.7-GHz microwave radiometer; color and color infrared photography are secondary sensors. The altitude best for hydrogeologic data collection is examined. Results of the study show that infrared color photography is sensitive to changes in plant communities reflecting concentrations of near surface water. Signatures of near-surface water concentration are contained in 8-14 micron infrared and 13.7-GHz microwave radiometer data. This data with hydrologic and geologic extrapolation lead to rapid prospecting of arid regions for indications of groundwater reserves.