Imaging stratigraphy of Pontian Peatland, Johor Malaysia with ground penetrating radar

Abstract

Peat's stratigraphic sequence contains information related to humification, hydrology, nutrient content and formation history of the bog. These are vital information needed for effective assessment of the deposit's economic potentialities and environmental impact. This research is aimed at developing a model for delineating stratigraphic sequences of Pontian Peatland with ground penetrating radar. The study involves imaging of prominent reflection layers within the subsurface of the deposit and laboratory determination of organic content of the soil samples collected at various depth intervals on the study area. Four Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) transects were scanned at regular interval spacing. Comparison of the processed radar image with the experimental data leads to the identification of three prominent stratigraphic layers: Top soil fabric with high ash content (low organic content), hemic layer of low ash content (high organic content) and kaolinitic clay with moderate organic content. The study could therefore serve as a means of assessing and monitoring fertility level and hydrological pattern of the deposit.