Origin of block accumulations based on the near-surface geophysics

Abstract

AbstractUnderstanding the internal structure of specific landforms is a crucial prerequisite for determining their origin and evolution. Near-surface geophysics represents a non-invasive way of subsurface investigation, and it can be used to describe subsurface conditions, especially in protected areas. We tested possible hypotheses of block accumulations origin and evolution by four different geophysical methods (electrical resistivity tomography [ERT], shallow seismic refraction [SSR], ground penetrating radar [GPR], and electromagnetic induction [EMI]) in the Central European Uplands. At the same time, we evaluated the applicability of geophysical methods to determine the internal structure and thickness of block accumulations. Based on the application of two suitable methods (ERT and SSR), we (1) estimated the thicknesses of block accumulations, (2) partially described their internal structure, and (3) presented the most probable hypotheses of block accumulation origin and evolution in two investigated sites.