3D Geophysical model of the subsurface

TerraDat is a European leader in state-of-the-art Geophysical Site Investigation, Geological Mapping and 3D Geodetic Laser Scanning. Our work is carried out using non-invasive methods with the very latest equipment to produce the highest quality solution for the Client.

We have extensive experience in all areas of subsurface mapping in relation to the Geotechnical, Civil Engineering, Environmental, Water Resource and Mineral Industries. We also have an ever increasing involvement in the Energy Sector.

Our services are commissioned by commercial organisations and by the public sector, wherever there is a requirement to gain an in-depth understanding of the subsurface.  We work at all scales ranging from broad regional studies (water resources, geothermal energy, gravity mapping, mineral exploration, geological modelling) through major engineering projects (pipeline routes, tunnels, power station installations, shallow hydrocarbon exploration) down to local site investigations (contaminated land, UXO, archaeology, geotechnical studies).

In addition to our geophysical survey capabilities, we have a specialist survey division for creation of 3-dimensional models using photogrammetry. Applications include heritage building models, forensic crime and accident scene reconstructions and geotechnical mapping.

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TerraDat is part of a team of scientists who have been monitoring the melting of permafrost in Europe’s alpine regions for the E.U. and Swiss Government in a research project called PACE, Permafrost and Climate in Europe. The experience and innovations developed in this project are available commercially through TERRADAT and its associates.

Given that temperatures in the permafrost layer is only -2 or -3 deg. C, it will not take much warming to cause a melt. The combination of ground temperatures only slightly below zero, high ice contents and steep slopes, makes mountain permafrost particularly vulnerable to changes.
Geo-electical imaging to map permafrost degradation. St. Morritz, Switzerland

GPR profiling in the Alps to map permafrost interface		The likely consequences of degrading permafrost would be an increase of slope failures, mudslides and rock falls. There are some frozen rock slopes that are so unstable they can fail even before a thaw. The effects are likely to be most disastrous in the Alps where steep slopes mean villages, roads and railways are built directly below altitude permafrost zones, however this can be a global problem – especially where manmade activities such as pipelines or building services artificially degrade permafrost.
Schilthorn Summit (3000m) – small glacier has disappeared in the last 5 years and TERRADAT has found evidence of permafrost degradation		Services we offer: Full historical desk study and risk analyis of mountain areas Integrated Geophysics Surveys (e.g. seismics, geo-electrical, GPR, BTS etc.) Monitoring installations (boreholes, weather stations, slope movement detectors) Engineering geology recommendations
Further Reading: TerraDat Case Study 1: Geo-electrical imaging to map permafrost degradation TerraDat Case Study 2: Integrated study of a field area in Sierra Nevada, Spain International Permafrost Association