Depth profiling of peat deposits with impulse radar

Abstract

With the growing interest in peat as an energy fuel, the need for better inventories of this resource becomes increasingly important. Although conventional imaging sensors can provide information on the areal extent of peatlands, depth measurements must still be taken in the field in order to estimate the volume of material present. A recently completed program conducted in eastern Newfoundland suggests that impuse radar systems can provide depth information and volume estimates comparable to those obtained with manual measurement techniques. Ground-based data were acquired using 80- and 400-MHz radar systems and airborne data were collected using 80- and 120-MHz systems. For ground-based profiles, peat thickness of up to 8.1 m was clearly measureable. The airborne profile data were generally poorer in quality; however, depths of up to 4.8 m were successfully profiled from an altitude of 1.5 m. No significant seasonal variations were observed. Impulse radar techniques seem to be particularly useful for reconnaissance level surveys. Additional research is needed in order to develop a system suitable for airborne profiling. Key words: impulse radar, peat resources, peatlands, Newfoundland, depth, volume, profiling, airborne profiling, radar propagation.