Hydrogeophysical characterization of near surface soil moisture in the shallow vadose zone

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Information about shallow soil moisture conditions is critical for a thorough understanding of near-surface hydrological processes, such as nutrient transport and groundwater recharge. Soil moisture also impacts microbial activity which is important for a range of biochemical processes. A detailed understanding of these processes is necessary for the evaluation and management of climate effects on water resources, land use and agricultural practices. Surface hydrogeophysical methods are rapidly emerging as an important source of soil moisture information at the field scale due to their unique ability to provide high resolution data over large areas and depths in a non-invasive manner. This research program will significantly advance the application of these methods by developing innovative techniques for obtaining quantitative soil moisture information from hydrogeophysical measurements. Subsequently, this project will examine how this improved hydrogeophysical-derived soil moisture information increases our understanding and characterization of shallow vadose zone processes, such as evapotranspiration and freeze-thaw cycles, beyond the knowledge obtained through the use of conventional techniques. As hydrogeophysical methods for soil moisture monitoring continue to mature and become more robust, they will increasingly decrease our reliance on conventional hydrological sampling methods, thereby reducing cost, minimizing the environmental impact of data acquisition and increasing the scale on which data can be gathered. Moreover, the ability of hydrogeophysical methods to provide high resolution soil moisture data at the field scale will significantly improve the calibration of remote sensing measurements. Ultimately, hydrogeophysical monitoring of shallow soil moisture will be an integral component in the assessment of water resources management, ecohydrological characterization of watersheds and implementation of precision agriculture techniques.