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Project Code [2012-W-MS-13]
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Project title
Combining Earth Observation and Geochemical Tracing Techniques (CONNECT) for groundwater detection and evaluation in Ireland
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Lead Applicant
Jean Wilson
Project Abstract
The purpose of CONNECT (Combined Earth Observation and ENviroNmEntal TraCing Techniques) is to further develop remote sensing tools and deploy developed geochemical tracing techniques to identify (map), characterise, quantify and evaluate the impact of submarine groundwater discharges while tentatively determining associated nutrient loading to Irish lake and coastal waters, in the spirit of the land-ocean water (and associated contaminants) transport continuum defined in the MSFD. The results of this research will be evaluated with a view to deploying the techniques nationally. The overall aim is to examine the connectivity between ground and surface water using an interlinked and complex lake system in northwest Ireland (Great Western Lakes) by tracing the path of groundwater and eventually, associated nutrients from and between Loughs Carra, Mask and Corrib into Galway Bay. Hence, groundwater will be traced across the entire freshwater-marine mixing continuum, from catchments on land to associated coastal ecosystems. The results from this research will also determine the potential of remote sensing as a cost-effective water management tool for inland and coastal waters, effectively building national capacity through the provision of a set of methodologies and baseline datasets. Results from this research are foreseen to produce a number of manuscripts which will be submitted to leading international journals targeting Remote Sensing of the Environment, Water Research, Journal of Environmental Management, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, Limnology and Oceanography and Biogeochemistry to compliment the final report to the EPA. Participation and dissemination of results via oral presentations and posters at national and international conferences and to national stakeholders including local/community interest groups will be undertaken, incuding the provision of two workshops on remote sensing and environmental tracing to the EPA.
Grant Approved
�249,706.80
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Protecting our Water Resources
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/04/2015