Profiling of ponds and bogs using ground-penetrating radar

Abstract

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an electromagnetic technique that has shown particular promise in profiling bogs and freshwater ponds. GPR systems operate in a manner similar to sonar (acoustic) methods, and can complement or be used in place of sonar. GPR pulses can penetrate through shallow fresh water and into bottom sediments, providing detailed information about sediment stratigraphy, obstructions, and depth to bedrock. Peat thickness in bogs can also be readily obtained using a GPR survey. The ability to accurately determine depths in ponds, lakes, and bogs prior to coring is extremely useful for investigations in palynology. By allowing one to ‘see’ into and obtain configuration and thickness of bottom sediments, GPR surveys permit placement of a core where it will yield optimum information. Where bog or water surfaces are frozen, GPR scans can be run directly over the ice.