Thermal infrared detection of submarine springs associated with the plymouth limestone

Abstract

Fresh groundwater within the Plymouth Limestone can be shown to be in hydraulic continuity with the marine waters of Plymouth Sound. Fresh groundwater discharges from the limestone in the form of submarine springs can be detected on the basis of temperature differences between the fresh groundwater and the marine waters, using an aircraft-mounted thermal infrared linescanner. Analysis of the thermal data is improved and aided by the use of the GEMS colour contouring analysis facility. © 1985 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.