Thursday, 10 November 2005 - 9:30 AM
321-3

Integrated Use of Geophysical Tools in Hydropedologic Investigations of a Forested Catchment.

Henry Lin, Penn State Universtiy, 415 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building, University Park, PA 16802, James Doolittle, USDA-NRCS-NSSC, 11 Campus Boulevard, Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA 19073, and Xiaobo Zhou, Penn State University, 116 ASI Bld., University Park, PA 16802.

This study represents the first known use of electromagnetic induction and ground-penetrating radar to characterize the hydropedology of a forested watershed. These tools were found to be complimentary and their integrated use advantageous to hydropedologic studies, especially when they were combined with standard soil survey methods. Electromagnetic induction can be used as a rapid reconnaissance tool to survey small watersheds. However, intricate soil patterns and different landscape components require intensive sampling. Ground-penetrating radar can be used to provide high resolution data of select areas. However, multiple, discontinuous reflectors complicate interpretations and low amplitude reflectors foster ambiguities. Terrains are often difficult to traverse with geophysical tools and the use of GPS to position data is restricted in steeply sloping, forested areas, thus classical soil surveys are helpful and provide necessary ground truthing. Within the watershed studied, distinct soil-landscape components have been recognized. The models used to map soils within this watershed were confirmed by geophysical methods. Electromagnetic induction was used to map the principal soil-landscape components within the watershed. Ground-penetrating radar provided comprehensive data on soil depth and characterized alluvial deposits within depressional areas. In swales and other areas, layers of colluvium occurred and influenced the movement of soil water as indicated by soil moisture monitoring data conducted in this watershed.

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