Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) transmits high frequency, short duration pulses of energy into the ground to produce images.
What is it?
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a noninvasive geophysical method that produces high-resolution images of the subsurface and detects points or areas that have different spatial reflection patterns than neighboring areas.
How does it work?
GPR transmits high frequency, short duration pulses of energy into the ground to produce images (spatial reflection patterns) of subsurface features or interfaces.
Results are highly site-specific as GPR does not work equally well in all soils. Site conditions and soil moisture at the time of collection also affect survey success. Soils having high electrical conductivity rapidly decrease radar energy, restrict penetration depths, and limit the effectiveness of GPR. The electrical conductivity of soil increases as water, clay, or soluble salt contents increase. Excessively drained and well drained, sandy soils are considered well-suited to high resolution, deep profiling with GPR. Conversely, poorly drained and very poorly drained clayey soils are considered less suitable for GPR.
To learn more about GPR, review the GPR penetration soil interpretation at Web Soil Survey (WSS). In WSS, choose an area of interest. Then select the Soil Data Explorer, Suitabilities and Limitations for Use, and Land Management tabs.
How do we use GPR in soil survey and soil conservation?
USDA NRCS has been using GPR to study soil features since 1979. GPR is used to determine the depth, thickness, and extent of soil horizons or layers, geologic deposits, fill, cultural features, voids, disturbed soils, compaction, sedimentation, bedrock, restrictive features, and buried pipelines or tile drainage.
Reports
Technical Soil Services (TSS) report:
Contact Soils
Please contact us if you see something that needs to be updated, if you have any questions, or if you need accessibility assistance.