Master Thesis: Mapping of the active layer thickness of permafrost soils in Greenland via ground penetrating radar

Supervison: Guggenberger/Peplau (Institute of Earth System Sciences, Dep. Soil Sciences, LUH), Igel (Leibniz-Institute of Applied Geophysics, LIAG)

Offered is a student research project at the interface between soil science and geophysics. As part of a two-week measurement campaign in September 2024, in collaboration with Dr. Tino Peplau from the Institute of Earth System Sciences (Soil Science Department) at Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), the depth of the thaw horizon in permafrost (the boundary between unfrozen and frozen ground) will be mapped on Disko Island in Greenland using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. The results will be selectively validated through Pürckhauer soundings and excavations. The objective is to create an overview map of thaw depths over an area of approximately 200 x 500 m to capture the natural variability of permafrost. Additionally, high-resolution 3D investigations of individual structures (e.g., hummocks, mudboils, active layer detachments) will be conducted.

The project is well-suited as a topic for a master's thesis. If feasible, the measurement campaign could be carried out as a study project, with a subsequent master's thesis building upon it. The costs for the two-week measurement campaign will be covered by the project (travel, accommodation, meals).

Work Packages

• Familiarization with the measurement instruments (Georadar and differential GNSS for positioning) and basic Georadar data analysis. This may also be done during employment as a student assistant to support Georadar measurements at the LIAG in spring/summer 2024.
• Literature review on permafrost and Georadar.
• Preparation and participation in the September 2024 measurement campaign: planning and execution of Georadar and GNSS measurements, as well as quality checks of data in the field.
• Processing and analysis of data after the measurement campaign.
• Interpretation of data and creation of maps.
• Soil science interpretation of reference profiles.
• Preparation of reference soil samples in the laboratory.

Requirements

• B.Sc. in Geosciences or a related field.
• Strong understanding of physics.
• Physical fitness, suitability for a measurement campaign under challenging conditions.
• Ideally, initial experience in the use of Georadar and GNSS devices for positioning.
• Proficient computer skills (at least proficient in Windows and Office), ideally programming skills and experience with GIS programs.

In case of interest or inquiries, please contact Tino Peplau (peplau@ifbk.uni-hannover.de, 0511 762 2625) or Jan Igel (jan.igel@leibniz-liag.de, 0511 643 2770).