Dynamics of peat soils in the ‘Green Heart’ of the Netherlands measured by satellite radar interferometry

Abstract (2018)

Authors

F.M.G. Heuff Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning - CEG
G. Mulder Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning - CEG
F.J. van Leijen Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning - CEG
S. Samiei Esfahany Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning - CEG
R.F. Hanssen Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning - CEG
Research Group
Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning (CEG) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Geoscience and Remote Sensing

Research Group

Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning

Abstract

The Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta is shaped by natural and manmade landscapes. Over many polder areas, soils are drained to be used as pastures. Around 30% of the pastures are situated on peat soils, of which many are located in the western part of the Netherlands, known as the ‘Green Heart’. Peat is composed of organic materials that oxidize and emit greenhouse gases when exposed to air as a consequence of the draining. Oxidation of peat soils results in volume reduction and subsequent subsidence. As a result, the groundwater level rises relative to the surface. Consequently, the soil needs to be dewatered to keep it sufficiently dry for farming, resulting in more oxidation, and therefore more subsidence. This process is bound to continue until the peat soils have disappeared completely. The societal cost of land subsidence due to peat soils are estimated to be 5200 million euro for urban areas and 200 million euro for peatland pastures, for a period until 2050.

Files

EGU2018_17443.pdf
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