Surficial and groundwater exchanges by means of Landsat thermal data: The eastern Laizhou Bay (China)
(Italy)
Q. G. Xing, M. J. Lou, X. L. Gao, L. J. Yu, X. H. Wen, P. Shi
Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, P. R. China
F. Braga, L. Tosi, L. Zaggia
Institute of Marine Sciences, CNR, Venezia, Italy
P. Teatini
Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
In this study, we observed Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies in the Southern and Eastern Laizhou
Bay, China, during summer and winter, by means of Landsat thermal data.
The interpretation of these features, also considering the morpho-hydrogeologic
setting of the areas, showed that SST anomalies are not related to long-shore circulation or river discharge and
therefore may be associated to local potential submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Moreover, in situ
measurements of salinity and temperature in surficial waters support this hypothesis of SGD in the eastern
Laizhou Bay. Our results suggest that the analysis of satellite thermal images can conveniently address
hydrogeological field investigations permitting to map features, both localized and diffuse, such as gradients
and anomalies associated to submarine groundwater seepage. Although the use of remote sensing cannot
replace direct investigations, it proves to be an efficient tool for driving field activities, like samplings and
geophysical surveys for detailed SGD investigations.
