Imaging and monitoring tree-induced subsidence using electrical resistivity imaging

Jones, G.M.; Cassidy, N.J.; Thomas, P.A.; Plante, S.; Pringle, Jamie

Abstract

Tree-induced subsidence is a natural ground movement phenomenon that arises when tree roots absorb water from clay-rich soils, causing them to shrink. Tree-induced subsidence is particularly problematic for buildings and structures in close proximity to deciduous trees where changes in seasonal climate can have a significant effect on the degree of relative surface movement. Unfortunately, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of tree-induced subsidence dynamics and limited access to affordable/reliable assessment technologies for the victims of such phenomena. This paper presents and discusses the use of 2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) as a tool for recognizing tree-related subsurface desiccation and its associated subsidence. The findings of a two year ERI study in a high-risk tree-induced subsidence environment are presented (mature Oak and Willow trees growing in expansive London Clays) where repeat (time-lapse) resistivity profiles are compared to conventional ground levelling and soil moisture content data. This study confirms that ERI is a valuable tool for the characterization of seasonally varying subsurface moisture distributions and that the technique is capable of defining the architecture and temporal-spatial variance of an active tree root system. Moreover, the method provides a critical insight into the visualization of tree-induced subsidence phenomena and reveals promising practical potential for use as a modern, affordable, non-invasive tree-induced subsidence assessment tool.

Citation

Jones, G., Cassidy, N., Thomas, P., Plante, S., & Pringle, J. (2009). Imaging and monitoring tree-induced subsidence using electrical resistivity imaging. Near Surface Geophysics, 7(3), 191 -206. https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2009017

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2009
• Publication Date: 2009-06
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: Near Surface Geophysics
• Print ISSN: 1873-0604
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 191 -206
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2009017
• Keywords: subsidence, tree-induced subsidence
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.3997%2F1873-0604.2009017