Depth to Ground-Water Table by Remote Sensing

This study is aimed at investigating the potential of IR imagery, as a remote sensing technique, in detecting and surveying depth to ground-water table. This was accomplished by studying the variation of soil radiant energy from two types of soils in the 8 μ–14μ infrared spectral band as affected by depth to ground-water table in a specially designed apparatus. Results of experiments indicated that: (1) differences in depth to ground-water table, within the range used in experiment 0 ft to 4 ft level, in both types of soils used, was detectable by ground surface radiance measurements in the 8 μ–14μ wave band; (2) during the period of investigation (summer), radiant intensity was maximum from 2 p.m.–4 p.m.; (3) maximum radiant intensity difference resulting from variations to depth of water table also occurred during this period from ≃ 2 p.m.–4 p.m.; and (4) the differences in radiance during the peak period were significant, suggesting excellent potential applications of most of the high-class unclassified commercial imaging systems in detecting and surveying depth to ground-water table and soil moisture variations.