3D GPR to Explore Peat Deposits: Strategies for Data Acquisition, Processing, and Interpretation

In soil sciences and geology, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection data are routinely used to explore the shallow subsurface. Recognizing that peatlands represent an important part of the global climate system, there is an increasing need to investigate and characterize peat deposits in more detail. Up to today, the application of GPR in peatland studies focuses on collecting 2D data along selected lines to develop models of peat thickness and stratigraphy. We present a 3D GPR case study from a peatland in northeastern Germany where we develop a detailed 3D model of the investigated peat body. Our results show significant variations in peat thickness including a prominent circular depression structure. We conclude that such structures could not be reliably imaged using 2D GPR surveying strategies. Thus, our results highlight the benefit of 3D GPR surveying to develop a more profound understanding of peat deposits and their characteristics.