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Mapping groundwater discharge to a coastal lagoon using combined spatial airborne thermal imaging, radon (222Rn) and multiple physicochemical variables
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Mapping groundwater discharge to a coastal lagoon using combined spatial airborne thermal imaging, radon (222Rn) and multiple physicochemical variables

Katie Coluccio, Isaac Santos, Luke C Jeffrey, Marwan Katurji, Steve Coluccio and Leanne K Morgan
Hydrological Processes, Vol.34(24), pp.4592-4608
30/11/2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13903
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Mapping groundwater discharge to a coastal lagoon using combined spatial airborne thermal imaging, radon (222Rn) and multiple physicochemical variables View

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Abstract

radon spatial distribution of groundwater discharge groundwater discharge to lagoons groundwater‐surface water interaction airborne thermal imaging coastal hydrology groundwater lagoon
Coastal lagoons are significant wetland environments found on coastlines throughout the world. Groundwater seepage may be a key component of lagoon water balances, though only a few studies have investigated large (>100 km2) coastal lagoons. In this study, we combined airborne thermal infrared imagery with continuous measurements of radon (222Rn—a natural groundwater tracer), conductivity, water temperature and dissolved oxygen to map groundwater seepage to a large coastal lagoon in New Zealand. We found evidence of seepage along the margins of the lagoon but not away from the margins. Our findings confirmed previously known seepage zones and identified new potential locations of groundwater inflow. Both point source and diffuse seepage occurred on the western and northwestern margins of the lagoon and parallel to the barrier between the lagoon and sea. These observations imply geologic controls on seepage. The combination of remote sensing and in‐situ radon measurements allowed us to effectively map groundwater discharge areas across the entire lagoon. Combined, broad‐scale qualitative methods built confidence in our interpretation of groundwater discharge locations in a large, dynamic coastal lagoon. Found evidence of groundwater seepage only near the margins of a large coastal lagoon supported by multiple broad‐scale methods. Observed both point source and diffuse seepage. Findings suggest geological controls on spatial seepage patterns at the study site.

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