Geophysics

Near-surface geophysics (georadar, geoelectrics, seismics)

During the last decade, the use of geophysical techniques has become an important tool in many geomorphological studies. We apply the most frequently used techniques:

• Ground penetrating radar (MALA GS)
  
• 2D/3D geoelectrics (geotome)
• Seismic refraction (GEODE24)

Depending on the task, we use a combination of techniques wherever possible to avoid ambiguities in interpretation. We apply these techniques in a number of different environments:

• valley fillings
• landslides
  
• mires and bogs
• solifluction lobes
• permafrost
• rockwalls and fractures
• building facades
• stone walls
  

Exemplary Publications:

• Götz, J., Salcher, B., Starnberger, R. & R. Krisai (2018): Geophysical, topographic and stratigraphic analyses of perialpine kettles and implications for postglacial mire formation. - Geografiska Annaler: Series A, Physical Geography, Vol. 100, No. 3: 254-271. DOI: 10.1080/04353676.2018.1446638
• Draebing, D. & J. Eichel (2017): Spatial controls of turf-banked solifluction lobes and their role for paraglacial adjustment in glacier forelands. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes 28: 446-459. DOI: 10.1002/ppp.1930
• Draebing, D. (2016):  Application of Refraction Seismics in Permafrost Studies: A review. Earth Science Reviews 155: 136-152. DOI: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2016.02.006
• Götz, J., Otto, J.-C., Salcher, B & J. Buckel (2015): Methodische Potentiale der modernen Geomorphologie für die Analyse, Quantifizierung und Rekonstruktion von Erdoberflächenprozessen. - In: GW-Unterricht (Fachwissenschaft) 138: 5-26.
• Stiegler, C., Rode, M., Sass, O. & J.-C. Otto (2014): Sporadic permafrost below 1000 m a.s.l. in central Austria: Evidences at an undercooled scree slope detected by geophysical investigations. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes 25: 194–207.
• Krautblatter, M. & D. Draebing (2014): Pseudo 3D - P-wave refraction seismic monitoring of permafrost in steep unstable bedrock. Journal of Geophysical Research - Earth Surface 119 (2): 287-299. DOI: 10.1002/2012JF002638
• Schrott, L., Otto, J.-C., Götz, J. & M. Geilhausen (2013): Fundamental classic and modern field techniques in geomorphology – an overview. - In: Shroder, J. (Editor in Chief), Switzer, A.D., Kennedy, D. (Eds.), Treatise on Geomorphology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, vol. 14, Methods in Geomorphology: 6-21. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-374739-6.00369-9
• Sass, O., Friedmann, A., Wetzel, K.-F. & G. Haselwanter (2010): Investigating thickness and structure of alpine mires using conventional and geophysical techniques. Catena 80: 195-203.
• Sass, O. & H.A. Viles (2010): Wetting and drying of masonry walls:  2D-resistivity monitoring of driving rain experiments on historic stonework in Oxford, UK. Journal of Applied Geophysics 70: 72-83.
• Schrott, L. & O. Sass (2008): Application of field geophysics in geomorphology: advances and limitations exemplified by case studies. Geomorphology 93: 55-73.
• Sass, O. (2007): Bedrock detection and talus thickness assessment in the European Alps using geophysical methods. Journal of Applied Geophysics 62: 254-269.