DMS has teamed up with the University of Leeds as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to develop a unique Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveying capability. Using the subsurface imagery produced by GPR, accurate maps of peat depth and peat piping can be produced at a high spatial resolution. The data can be used to inform construction plans and environmental impact assessments on wind farm developments, management of water catchments and the methodologies used in moorland restoration projects.
Using a specially adapted low ground pressure tracked vehicle, highly accurate differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) and specialised GPR, our unique surveying setup is customised to suit peatland environments. This allows for the collection of large amounts of high quality data at a landscape scale in short time scales. The data is then processed and analysed to produce peat depth and peat pipe mapping in the file format and coordinate systems required.
Further research is being carried out to investigate the capabilities of GPR and other geophysical methods for generating landscape scale peatland carbon inventories, mapping peat condition and surface moisture contents. This project is supported by a specialist academic team from the University of Leeds including Prof. Joseph Holden, Dr Pippa Chapman and Dr Jared West who advise on geophysics and peatland environments. The project is run by Dr Lauren Parry, who has research interests in peatland management, restoration and landscape scale modelling of peatland environments.
