ABSTRACT:
Ground-penetrating radar was evaluated as a tool for mapping reservoir and lake bottoms and providing stage-storage information. An impulse radar was used on a 1.4-ha (3.5-acre) reservoir with 31 transects located 6.1 m (20 feet) apart. Depth of water and lateral extent of the lake bottom were accurately measured by ground-penetrating radar. A linear (positive) relationship existed between measured water depth and ground-penetrating radar-determined water depth (R2=0.989). Ground-penetrating radar data were used to create a contour map of the lake bottom. Relationships between water (contour) elevation and water surface area and volume were established. Ground-penetrating radar proved to be a useful tool for mapping lakes, detecting lake bottom variations, locating old stream channels, and determining water depths. The technology provides accurate, continuous profile data in a relatively short time compared to traditional surveying and depth-sounding techniques.
Footnotes
C. C. Truman is a soil scientist, L. E. Asmussen is a geologist, and H. D. Allison is a ground-penetrating radar technician, Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tifton, Georgia 31793. Trade names have been used for specific information. Their mention does not constitute endorsement by USDA-ARS.
- Copyright 1991 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society
This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.