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Ground‐Penetrating Radar Detection and Three‐Dimensional Mapping of Lateral Macropores: II. Riparian Application
Author(s) -
Gormally Kevin H.,
McIntosh Marla S.,
Mucciardi Anthony N.,
McCarty Gregory W.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj2010.0342
Subject(s) - macropore , ground penetrating radar , riparian zone , geology , wetland , environmental science , remote sensing , hydrology (agriculture) , geomorphology , soil science , radar , geotechnical engineering , ecology , chemistry , habitat , mesoporous material , telecommunications , biochemistry , computer science , biology , catalysis
The morphology and prevalence of macropores < 10 cm in diameter in forested riparian wetlands is largely unknown despite their importance as a mechanism for preferential flow of contaminants to stream channels. Here, we validate field procedures for detecting and mapping the three‐dimensional structure of near‐surface (15–65 cm deep) lateral macropore networks using non‐invasive ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) technology at a Mid‐Atlantic riparian wetland field study site. Soil core samples used to ground truth the procedures showed that the detection predictions were 92% accurate and tracer dye transmission through the site corroborated the morphology predictions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using GPR to map preferential flow networks in situ without disturbing environmentally sensitive wetland ecosystems.