QUANTIFYING WOOD MOISTURE CONTENT USING 3D GROUND PENETRATING RADAR AND ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY

• DOI: 10.4133/sageep.27-021
• Publication Date: 2014-09-18T10:03:58Z
• Authors: Mehrez Elwaseif; W. Steven Holbrook; Thomas Guenther; Brent Ewers; Scott Peckham; James Clair; Jorden Hayes
• Keywords: Electrical Resistivity Tomography; Ground-Penetrating Radar

Sap flow measurement using heat sensors is popular technique for measuring tree water use. However, these measurements are local and their accuracy depends largely on the of estimating entire sapwood area. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Electrical resistivity Tomography (ERT) suitable technologies mapping moisture content variations, since both methods highly sensitive to changes in saturation. Here we describe a coupled ERT GPR data processing approach estimate within trunks. The results used infer depth interface between water-filled dry heartwood areas, from which an radar wave velocity areas determined corresponding arrival times results. Dielectric permittivity then calculated velocity, finally estimated empirical relationship (Topp equation). In addition, direct waves along outer boundary We applied our field-based collected lodgepole pine trees around Laramie (WY). were mixed array configurations obtain high vertical horizontal resolutions, was 800 MHz shielded antenna ensure resolution. To eliminate reflections features outside volume, surrounded trunk with electromagnetic shielding sheet during acquisition. obtaining reliable models, apply joint inversion that allows structural similarities only model space where images show similar variations. demonstrate facilitates monitoring