D-AERO-Moore: Investigation of opportunities for large-scale surveying of peatlands
Begin of project: May 1, 2021
End of project: April 30, 2024
Status of project: July 1, 2021
The BGR strategy provides for the expansion of the pedological interpretation of data from remote sensing and ground-based and airborne geophysics. The research concept of these methods is strategically designed and based on case studies (see also ReCharBo and BopaBW projects). Peatland is a new object of investigation that has not yet been considered jointly. Mires fulfill natural soil functions as a habitat and serve as a reservoir for water and greenhouse gases (Joosten et al., 2016), which are worth protecting (LABO, 2017). Knowledge of the current extent and thickness of mires and their changes is the basis for reliable interpretations and forecasts.
Non-invasive methods of remote sensing and geophysics offer a supplement to in-situ methods, with which extensive peatlands alone can hardly be recorded quickly. A preliminary in-house study on the "Ahlen-Falkenberger Moor” in northern Germany showed that the extent and thickness of a bog could be derived from airborne geophysical data (electromagnetics and radiometry) from 2004 using newly developed interpretation methods. The results, on average, agree with those of borehole drilled by the Geological Survey of Lower Saxony (LBEG) in 2007 (Siemon et al., 2020a). The extension and validation of these procedures on various mires (bogs and fens) are still missing.
Following the BGR strategy, interdisciplinary and cross-scale studies are carried out on selected mires, including the entire process chain. In addition to drilling data, large areas of existing airborne geophysical data (Siemon et al., 2020b) are specifically supplemented with new ones and analyzed using current in-situ and ground-based geophysical measurements as well as remote sensing data (ground movement and hyperspectral data). In particular, new methods (airborne radar, measurements with drones, L-Band radar for surface elevation monitoring) are being tested and further developed.
Figure 1: Interdisciplinary investigation of peatlands
Source: BGR
The measurements are used to develop combinations of methods for the 3D / 4D investigation of various types of mires. In particular, the expertise of geoscientific research and development with the need for advice is to be increased, new possibilities for technical supplementation of soil maps (e.g. BÜK200 / BÜK250) are to be investigated and a strategic application capability for upcoming tenders in the field of peatland research is to be created.
Literatur
Joosten, H., Couwenberg, J., von Unger, M. & Emmer, I., 2016. Peatlands, Forests and the Climate Architecture: Setting Incentives through Markets and Enhanced Accounting. Umweltbundesamt – Reihe: Climate Change 14/2016, Dessau-Roßlau, https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/378/publikationen/climate_change_14_2016_peatlands_forests_and_the_climate_architecture.pdf
Siemon, B., Ibs-von Seht, M. & Frank, S., 2020a. Airborne electromagnetic and radiometric peat thickness mapping of a bog in northwest Germany (Ahlen-Falkenberger Moor). Remote Sensing, 12, 203, doi: 10.3390/rs12020203.
Siemon, B., Ibs-von Seht, M. Steuer, A., Deus, N. & Wiederhold, H., 2020b. Airborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric surveys at the German North Sea Coast applied to groundwater and soil investigations. Remote Sensing, 12(10), 1629, doi: 10.3390/rs12101629.