AquaScan - Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Sediment Survey for Fresh Water Lake and Rivers - Water Depth Profiling, Bathymetric Survey and Sub-bottom Stratigraphic Sediment Profiling

AquaScan involves use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Sonar into a single survey used for fresh water lake and river water depth profiling, bathymetry and sub-bottom stratigraphic sediment profiling.  Radar identifies natural features such as sediment stratigraphy and interfaces, as well as natural and man-made objects including cables, pipes, boats, outboards, logs and other artifacts buried deep in sediments.

Radar is the preferred method when trapped gas is present in the sediment causing loss of sonar signal and for shallow waterways and lakes 0 - 10 feet depth. Radar is more sensitive as compared to sonar and can be used to detect very low density watery sludge or "thick water" present at lake or river bottom. Radar can only be used in freshwater lakes and rivers with conductivity not exceeding 800 microS/cm. Radar cannot be used in brackish or salt water environments. The measurement data can be converted into a 3D-model of the lake or river bottom.

Case Studies

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Sonar and Radar Technology Comparison

Sonar-limitations

Sonar is the preferred method for depth surveys ranging from 10 feet to 150 feet when no gas is present in sediment (flowing rivers). Sonar has limitations when used in shallow rivers (< 10 feet depth) and when used to characterize low density sludge (thick water) or organic rich sediments containing trapped gas.  The trapped gas will absorb the sonar signal causing "loss of signal". Gas in sediment is frequently encountered in lakes and low-flow rivers.

Main features and advantages of the AquaScan technology are as follows:

  • Combines radar and sonar measurements in single survey

  • Fast and accurate measurement of water depth in lakes and inland waterways

  • Sediment thickness surveys for lakes and rivers for contaminated sediment volume calculations

  • 3-D model; Digital results in (x,y,z) coordinates

  • Locate obstacles (buried cables, trash) on lake and river bottom
  • Underwater Archaeological Survey(-s)

AquaScan Water Depth and (Contaminated) Sediment Layer Surveys

The AquaScan survey is performed by running simultaneous Radar and Sonar surveys along random survey lines. Use of Sonar is optional depending on project requirements. The measurements are related to the local coordinates and a reference elevation level. Measurement data are processed and interpreted into a 3-D model representing depth and thickness of the sediment layer.  This model can be used for identification of (contaminated) sediment, water management, planning of dredging projects pre-dredging and post-dredging surveys. By applying quantitative calculations on the basis of the measured profiles and desired river or lake bottom profiles, volumetric calculations can be performed.

The radar survey will also identify foreign objects or trash that are present at the bottom. Identification and location of large buried obstacles may be important factor in selection of the preferred dredging method and to prevent 'surprises'. Various locations can be measured rapidly and effectively, and a large diversity of data delivery and reporting is available.

Underwater Archaeological Investigation

The high resolution of AquaScan survey allows for identification of subsurface structures of interest buried in the sediment.

It is now understood that most early human settlements were near the shore of rivers and lakes. As a result of changes in water level or soil subsidence, the remnants of such early settlements may currently be located under water.

Locating of underwater Cables, Pipes and Objects

The radar (or magnetometer/EM61) can also be used to locate objects, such as cables, pipes, underwater mains, drums, refrigerators etc.. The objects can be located on the river or lake bottom as well as below the silt. Objects can be marked in the field or, identified with position and depth on a map.

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AquaScan Survey - Lake Trafford, Florida

AquaScan Survey - Naval Reserve Basin Philadelphia

 

 

Lake Trafford, Florida