Drone being prepared for survey

In this photo, a small unoccupied aicraft (sUAS) or drone is being prepared to collect thermal infrared data to assess groundwater discharge into Las Vegas Wash, in Clark County, Nevada. The umbrella provides shade to keep the equipment from getting too hot.

This study is using thermal infrared imaging to aid in location and evaluation of areas of gains and losses in discharge from seeps and bank storage during high and low discharge periods along the Las Vegas Wash. Groundwater discharge in the Las Vegas Wash is a source of perchlorate to the Wash, and downstream Lake Mead and Colorado River.