Mapping Groundwater Upwellings by Aerial Thermography

 

Upwellings of groundwater are a key element of aquatic habitats for many species, and especially for various life stages of salmonids in the Lake Superior basin. In no case, is this more definitively demonstrated than with brook trout, a species whose name literally means "little salmon of the springs". In 2000, the Ashland Fishery Resources Office contracted with a private firm to conduct a test study of the effectiveness of aerial imaging in locating and identifying groundwater upwellings along 115 miles of Lake Superior shoreline and in tributary stream corridors. Imaging included 35 mm photography and hyperspectral video data. The methods used were quite effective in locating upwellings of groundwater and with some moderate adjustment may be very applicable for widespread use in the Lake Superior basin. A by-product of this study was the identification of a large number of locations where point and non-point pollution or runoff problems have occurred.

Aerial thermography (using spectral and thermal imaging) was employed to locate and describe groundwater upwellings that can provide vital habitats for brook trout. The data collected will be used to locate priority habitats for coaster brook trout and potential egg stocking sites within the study area.

With the financial support from the Coastal Program, the Ashland FRO was able to form new partnerships with Trout Unlimited and the Red Cliff Band of Chippewa Indians. Significant data was obtained that will provide resource managers with the information needed to make management decisions.