GROUND PENETRATING RADAR IMAGING OF SOIL STRATIGRAPHY AND PATTERNS FROM BURROWING CRAYFISH

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is commonly used to analyze shallow subsurface geological features, detect graves, characterize soil profiles, measure stratigraphy, and image architectural or engineering structures. Recently GPR has been used with limited success to image structures related to animal burrowing. This investigation used a variety of field methods and parameters to determine the feasibility of using GPR to study burrowing crayfish. High-resolution, noninvasive GPR data were successfully collected at multiple field sites to produce images of subsurface structures constructed by burrowing crayfish, and to observe soil patterns possibly related to variation among diverse species of primary burrowers. Numerous subsurface anomalies were displayed on the 3D GPR scans and interpreted as crayfish burrows. These GPR signatures matched the locations of crayfish chimneys observed on the surface. Results from this study indicate that GPR is an effective, noninvasive tool for quickly characterizing crayfish burrow morphology and related soil stratigraphy. Additionally, outcomes suggest GPR applications may help in the effort to increase our understanding of these primary burrowers and their environment.