THERMAL INERTIA APPROACH TO MAPPING OF SOIL-MOISTURE AND GEOLOGY

Although the principles of thermal inertia mapping, using airborne and satellite thermal infrared data together with broadband visible imagery, have been known for several years, the development of applications and interpretation procedures is still in its infancy. The ability of this remote sensing technique to estimate surface thermal properties opens many areas of potential application in surface resource studies. This article examines the application of thermal inertia mapping procedures to hydrogeological and geological mapping investigations. A method has been developed for estimating the thermal properties of soils for changes in composition, porosity, and moisture content. Results are displayed in a contour format to allow the user to evaluate the usefulness of thermal inertia mapping for his particular application. Information obtained using this simulation method has been analyzed to determine the ability of the thermal inertia approach to estimate remotely both soil moisture content and soil type. Conversely, the results can also be used to determine the temperature contrasts that could be expected for different soil and moisture regimes. © 1979.