Airborne Geophysical Data Used to Characterise Groundwater Dependant Wetlands

This paper provides an assessment of existing airborne baseline geophysical data in relation to the hydrogeological characterisation of protected groundwater dependant wetland areas found on Anglesey, Wales. Radiometric data appear to identify the main areas of water saturation together with the degree of saturation in the very near surface. The radiometric data also show regional scale transition from limestone in the east, important for water supply to the wetlands, to older more impermeable strata to the west. The conductivity data appear capable of mapping the lateral extent of clay accumulations, concealed below peat cover and acting as a confining layer. The data therefore provide a non-invasive spatially-continuous, characterisation of the sites, improving the understanding of their dynamic water balances and, potentially, guiding further invasive investigations.