Characterization of Peat-Electrical Properties by Means of Geophysical Measurements

Authors:
Judith Walter, Erika Lück, Albrecht Bauriegel

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
electrical-conductivity, geophysical-techniques, peat-thickness, peat-decomposition

Documentfile:
Walter 2012: Characterization of Peat-Electrical Properties by Means of Geophysical Measurements

Summary:

Theme IV. Chemical, physical and biological characteristics of peat

SUMMARY

Protection of peatlands in their function as storage for carbon requires information about their current state, especially about peat condition (degree of decomposition) and thickness. To test for the potential of non-invasive geoelectrical techniques, particularly the measurement of electrical conductivity (EC), we analyzed electrical properties of fen-peat- and the underlying gyttja substrates in the laboratory. Our results show significant differences between EC of peat and gyttja substrate. Additionally, the relationship of EC and water content seems to be controlled by substrate type, such as peat and gyttja material in general, and between different stages of peat decomposition in particular.