Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.geomorph.2013.07.009
Title (Primary) Two-dimensional geomorphological characterization of a filled abandoned meander using geophysical methods and soil sampling
Author Hausmann, J.; Steinel, H.; Kreck, M.; Werban, U. ORCID logo ; Vienken, T.; Dietrich, P. ORCID logo
Source Titel Geomorphology
Year 2013
Department MET
Volume 201
Page From 335
Page To 343
Language englisch
Keywords geomorphological characterization; abandoned meander; combination of geophysical methods; electrical resistivity tomography; refraction seismic; MASW; ground penetrating radar
UFZ wide themes RU5;
Abstract

Using geophysical methods for the geomorphological characterization of subsurface features has numerous advantages over traditional exploration methods, because of their noninvasive and rapid nature. In this study, we compared the results of four geophysical methods with each other. We also discuss their possibilities and limitations in a geomorphological investigation. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), refraction seismic (RS), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and surface wave seismic (MASW) methods were applied at an abandoned meander in northern Saxony to map a predefined structure. By combining these methods, we were able to characterize and delineate subsurface features of the abandoned meander, including a point bar, a channel, and a cutbank. Core samples obtained from sonic drilling were used to validate the findings of both seismic methods. However, we found that electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar lacked penetration depth and could only be used to resolve shallower subsurface layers. The ERT, GPR, RS, and MASW can be used to gather images of subsurface structures. The MASW in particular provides supplementary information about the channel’s internal structure (with respect to lateral and vertical resolution). Besides fluvial–morphological features, we also detected inverse velocity structures within the channel. This allowed us to characterize the abandoned meander using information about its layer distribution and material composition. However, we were only able to characterize and delineate the subsurface features of the abandoned meander by combining all of the aforementioned methods.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=13856
Hausmann, J., Steinel, H., Kreck, M., Werban, U., Vienken, T., Dietrich, P. (2013):
Two-dimensional geomorphological characterization of a filled abandoned meander using geophysical methods and soil sampling
Geomorphology 201 , 335 - 343 10.1016/j.geomorph.2013.07.009