Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4015
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4015
01 Sep 2025
 | 01 Sep 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).

Imaging the deep carbon stocks with complex electrical conductivity 

Adrian Flores Orozco, Jakob Gallistl, Benjamin Gilfedder, Timea Katona, Sven Frei, Peter Strauss, and Gunter Blöschl

Abstract. Due to the limited penetration depth of standard sampling methods, mapping of soil organic carbon (SOC) is usually restricted to the top 100 cm of soils. Hence, current models underestimate SOC due to the unexplored deep carbon stocks. Moreover, standard methods only offer punctual data relying on interpolation to investigate extensive areas. We demonstrate here that subsurface images of the complex electrical conductivity (CC) can delineate the presence and geometry of SOC reaching a depth of a few tens of meters below the surface. We demonstrate a positive correlation between imaginary CC at low frequencies (< 5 Hz) and SOC content permitting a quantitative interpretation of geophysical images. We present measurements from a catchment with silty loam soils, where the geometry of a deep carbon stock (between 4 and 6 m depth) was identified by CC images, and validated through laboratory analysis of soil samples.

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Adrian Flores Orozco, Jakob Gallistl, Benjamin Gilfedder, Timea Katona, Sven Frei, Peter Strauss, and Gunter Blöschl

Status: open (until 13 Oct 2025)

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Adrian Flores Orozco, Jakob Gallistl, Benjamin Gilfedder, Timea Katona, Sven Frei, Peter Strauss, and Gunter Blöschl
Adrian Flores Orozco, Jakob Gallistl, Benjamin Gilfedder, Timea Katona, Sven Frei, Peter Strauss, and Gunter Blöschl
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Short summary
Understanding the role of soil in the storage of organic carbon is critical for a large number of environmental processes. Current practices rely on the drilling and analysis of samples, which is expensive, time consuming and destructive. Here we present a technique able to map soil organic carbon measuring the electrical properties of the subsurface without the necessity of drilling. Our results could permit to advance soil management strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and storage.
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