Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Revealing the temporal dynamics of subsurface t...
View graph of relations

Revealing the temporal dynamics of subsurface temperature in a wetland using time-lapse geophysics

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>13/01/2011
<mark>Journal</mark>Journal of Hydrology
Issue number3-4
Volume396
Number of pages9
Pages (from-to)258–266
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the need to understand the subsurface hydrological mechanisms within wetlands, given their potentially significant role in the hydrological and biogeochemical function of catchments, as well as their effects on the wetland habitat itself. Conventional subsurface hydrological sampling and monitoring techniques are often limited in such environments because of the invasive nature of such approaches and the sensitivity of the environment. As with other areas of subsurface hydrology, there is widespread appreciation of the value of using geophysical surveys to compliment observations from direct sampling. In this study we use ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to characterise the stratigraphy at a small riparian wetland site. Then, through time-lapse ERT measurements over a 12 month period, we demonstrate how changes in resistivity may provide additional value about localised recharge, through inferred changes in subsurface temperature. Although we focus here on one 2-D vertical profile through the wetland, the results highlight the potential value of non-invasive time-lapse geoelectrical surveys for mapping 3-D thermal patterns within a wetland environment.