USE OF SOIL INFORMATION TO DETERMINE APPLICATION OF GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been used as a pedologic tool in the United States since 1978. The National Cooperative Soil Survey Program has used GPR to assess properties of soils which affect their use, management, and classification. Principal uses have been to estimate the variability and taxonomic composition of soils, chart the lateral extent, and estimate the depth and thickness of soil horizons and geologic layers and to map and interpret soils. All soils are not equally suited to GPR techniques. Soil maps and taxonomic descriptions contained in published soil survey reports can be used to assess the suitability of soils and sites for GPR applications. In addition, the criteria used to define and classify the soil can be used to aid interpretations of radar imagery.