A Geophysical Approach to Establishing Landscape Boundaries

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to identify the initial lithogenic landscape boundaries of different ranks under conditions of different formation duration using the example of the end-moraine zone of the Valdai glaciation, the secondary-moraine territory of the Moscow glaciation and the zone of the Don glaciation. Materials and methods. Ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography were the primary methods used, along with landscape mapping and profiling. Results and Discussion. Combining ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography enables the determi- nation of the boundaries of various geological formations and structures, as well as groundwater levels. Due to the combination of ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography, it is possible to obtain both the sedimental structure up to 20-30 meters depth and high resolution (accuracy) in the upper part of the sediments within the first 3-5 m. The resolution of these methods correlates well with the vertical boundaries of geosystems and allows to distinguish their different ranks – from facies to landscapes. The geophysical survey conditions must be considered, as humidity affects the dielectric permit- tivity and resistivity. Conclusion. The use of objective digital geophysical methods to identify landscape boundaries is demonstrated to be both possible and necessary.