An application of ground penetrating radar to peat stratigraphy of Ellice Swamp, southwestern Ontario

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been applied to the mapping of stratigraphy and peat thickness of a large bog in southwestern Ontario. The GPR survey was undertaken in conjunction with a conventional coring survey and measurement of peat physical properties. The results indicate that GPR responds to peat moisture content and bulk density, which vary with stratigraphic changes. In particular, the acrotelm–catotelm boundary and the basal clay are GPR reflectors. The presence of gyttja above the clay is indicated by complex basal reflections. Ground penetrating radar is a viable alternative to an intensive coring survey for evaluating peat depth and extent.