GPR images of periglacial slope deposits beneath peat bogs in the Central European Highlands, Germany

This research investigates the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to determine the continuity of periglacial slope deposits under peat bogs. In the Central European Highlands, periglacial slope deposits are a common parent material for soils and play a critical role in determining the nature of chemical and physical processes in soil development. There is a common agreement on the general distribution of these slope deposits, but there is an ongoing debate in German literature concerning the actual age of these deposits. In particular, the youngest head can usually be found under peat bogs of Late Glacial age (¹⁴C and pollen stratigraphy) and has lead to a minimum age determination of pre-Alleröd. Stratigraphic investigations were made using drill cores, and GPR was used to define the continuity of the head under the bog. Several examples from southeastern Bavaria are given.