Dr. Tom McKenna, Hydrogeologist, Delaware Geological Survey and Associate Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Delaware

and

Dr. Tracy DeLiberty, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Geography, University of Delaware

Abstract: In theory, environmental thermography is equivalent to classical remote sensing of the natural environment using the thermal-infrared band. But in practice, the technique is quite different. In environmental thermography, data collection with a thermal imager is hands-on and ruggedized imagers make it a versatile and easily mobile technique for investigating hydrologic processes in reconnaissance missions or during detailed experiments. Time sequences of images can be collected at time intervals ranging from milliseconds to hours, enabling remote sensing of processes that are difficult to capture via aerial or satellite remote sensing. A good example is the hydrology of intertidal environments where the ability to collect imagery at time-scales (minutes/hours) below those of the dominant stresses on the system (semi-diurnal tides, day/night) is critical. In this talk, Dr. McKenna will present results from studies of subaerial and subaqueous groundwater discharge and surface-water flow in wetlands, rivers, and tidal channels. Imaging was done using a ruggedized, hand-held thermal imager (FLIR P-series) during walking surveys, from a mechanized lift (bucket truck), from a helicopter or deployed on a temporary tower. After his presentation, Dr. DeLiberty will briefly discuss a new collaboration being developed at U. Delaware.