Ground‐Penetrating Radar Detection and Three‐Dimensional Mapping of Lateral Macropores: II. Riparian Application

Abstract

The morphology and prevalence of macropores < 10 cm in diameter in forested riparian wetlands is largely unknown despite their importance as a mechanism for preferential flow of contaminants to stream channels. Here, we validate field procedures for detecting and mapping the three‐dimensional structure of near‐surface (15–65 cm deep) lateral macropore networks using non‐invasive ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) technology at a Mid‐Atlantic riparian wetland field study site. Soil core samples used to ground truth the procedures showed that the detection predictions were 92% accurate and tracer dye transmission through the site corroborated the morphology predictions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using GPR to map preferential flow networks in situ without disturbing environmentally sensitive wetland ecosystems.