Handheld Thermal Imaging Cameras for Groundwater/Surface-Water Interaction Studies
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USGS scientists are using high-resolution handheld thermal imaging cameras in groundwater/surface-water interaction studies and other investigations. These cameras are used to quickly locate and characterize thermal anomalies in streams, lakes, and adjacent structures. Variations in temperature can be used to track the heat carried by flowing water, such groundwater discharge into a stream.
Overview
Figure 1. Example of portable, handheld thermal imaging camera used in USGS groundwater studies.
Although airborne and satellite thermal imaging for water-resources studies is common, the availability of robust handheld thermal imaging tools in support of USGS groundwater studies is relatively new. The cameras allow hydrologists to rapidly image real-time variations in temperature at high resolution in the field at scales from a few centimeters to tens of meters. The information can be used to:
- localize groundwater discharge,
- help characterize local hydrogeologic conditions, and
- optimize sampling and monitoring locations.
The small size of the cameras makes them convenient tools for studies in dense urban settings as well as remote field sites (fig. 1). Potential field applications are being explored within the USGS Water Resources Mission Area and in interdisciplinary work across the USGS.
Heat as a Tracer of Water Movement Near Streams
Temperature has long been recognized as an important water-quality parameter. Differences between temperatures in a stream and surrounding sediments can be analyzed to trace the movement of groundwater to and from streams, and to better understand the magnitudes and mechanisms of stream/groundwater (hyporheic zone) exchanges. Figures 2 and 3 show how thermal imaging can be used to rapidly identify, visualize, and quantify differences in water temperature that may indicate groundwater discharging to the surface. To learn more about use of heat as a tracer, see "Heat as a tool for studying studying the movement of ground water near streams."
Figure 2. Thermal image displayed as an inset of the true-color photograph taken in the field. Thermal image indicates water temperature, where warmer temperatures are represented as red and cooler temperatures as blue. The image presents an area where cooler groundwater (blue) may be discharging along a warm stream bank in mid-summer. The photo spans an area about 3 meters across. The temperature scale is in degrees Celsius. (Credit: USGS/Martin Briggs. Public domain.)
Figure 3. Thermal image indicates water temperature, where warmer temperatures are represented as red and cooler temperatures as blue. The image presents an area where warmer groundwater (red) may be discharging into a cooler (blue) stream in late fall at Tidmarsh Farms, Massachusetts. The image spans an area about 6 meters across. Temperature is in degrees Celsius. (Credit: USGS/Martin Briggs. Public domain.)
Thermal Imaging Camera Use Examples
The USGS Water Resources Mission Area has sponsored handheld thermal imaging camera technology demonstration and evaluation projects by USGS researchers in around the Nation.
References & Related USGS Publications
Briggs, M.A., Voytek, E.B., Day-Lewis, F.D, Rosenberry, D.O., and Lane, J.W., 2013, The hydrodynamic controls on thermal refugia for endangered mussels in the Delaware River : Environmental Sciences and Technology: v. 47, no. 20, p. 11423-11431. doi:10.1021/es4018893.
Additional Resources
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Date published: February 24, 2019Status: ActiveGeophysics for USGS Groundwater/Surface Water Interaction Studies
Understanding the interaction of groundwater and surface water is essential to water managers and hydrologists for the development of effective water-resource policy, protection, and management. The USGS conducts applied research to evaluate the use of new or emerging hydrogeophysical tools and methods to improve our understanding of groundwater/surface-water exchange.
Contacts: Martin A Briggs, Frederick D Day-LewisAttribution: Water Resources -
Date published: February 23, 2019Status: CompletedThermal Imaging Camera Use: Identifying Groundwater Inputs to a Reef in American Samoa
USGS scientists used a thermal camera in American Samoa to understand the effect of land-based contaminants on an adjacent coral reef lagoon ecosystem. The infrared (IR) camera was used to capture thermal images of the lagoon to look for temperature differences to understand the distribution of freshwater entering the lagoon and the circulation of the lagoon water at various tidal levels.
Contacts: Kimberly BeisnerAttribution: Water Resources, States and Territories
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Year Published: 2013Understanding water column and streambed thermal refugia for endangered mussels in the Delaware River
Groundwater discharge locations along the upper Delaware River, both discrete bank seeps and diffuse streambed upwelling, may create thermal niche environments that benefit the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon). We seek to identify whether discrete or diffuse groundwater inflow is the dominant control on refugia. Numerous...
Briggs, Martin A.; Voytek, Emily B.; Day-Lewis, Frederick D.; Rosenberry, Donald O.; Lane, John W.View CitationUnderstanding water column and streambed thermal refugia for endangered mussels in the Delaware River; 2013; Article; Journal; Environmental Science and Technology; Briggs, Martin A.; Voytek, Emily B.; Day-Lewis, Frederick D.; Rosenberry, Donald O.; Lane, John W.