Remote Sensing in Groundwater Studies

Abstract

Groundwater study in an area requires the idea of lithological units, structural disposition, geomorphic set-up, surface water condition, vegetation, etc. These can be well understood with the help of remote sensing (RS). It is the study of satellite images and aerial photographs. Satellite images are basically the electromagnetic (e-m) record of broad spectrum (ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave regions) by means of instrument such as scanners and cameras located on mobile platform such as satellite or spacecraft. The e-m radiation may come from an artificial source in the satellite or from the target itself if the target happens to be a source of e-m radiation. The radiation travels through the atmosphere being detected at the satellite recorder. The e-m spectrum in given bands can give information on the various targets on the earth. Vegetation, in general, appears green during daytime, because it reflects the green band of visible radiation preferentially, while absorbing other colour bands of the visible radiation. Before geophysical investigation, the RS data give the knowledge of the geological structures. Hence, the geophysicist can focus the survey area from a huge area which is not potential. The RS data are very accurate, fast and reliable as compared to the conventional data collection.