Integrated remote sensing and geophysical techniques for locating canal seepage in Nebraska

Abstract Rising demands for Platte River water in Nebraska have increased the need for detecting seepage along canals whose diversion source is the Platte River. Of particular importance is to establish methods that can be used to detect seepage while keeping the canal in full service. Appropriate geophysical methods integrated with other techniques can provide a relatively fast and inexpensive way to detect and locate seepage without disturbing the natural flow of the canal. Combined with color infrared imagery, electrical geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity, electromagnetics, and ground penetrating radar were used to delineate several potential seepage areas along the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) canal system. Electrical resistivity soundings and horizontal profiling appear to be the most effective and efficient means for identifying potential seepage reaches less than eight hundred meters in length.