Multiscale Variability and the Comparison of Ground and Satellite Radar Based Measures of Peatland Surface Motion for Peatland Monitoring

Peatland surface motion is highly diagnostic of peatland condition. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) can measure this at the landscape scale but requires ground validation. This necessitates upscaling from point to areal measures (80 × 90 m) hampered by a lack data regarding spatial variability peat characteristics. Using nested precise leveling approach within two areas upland and low-lying blanket Flow Country, Scotland, we examine multiscale motion. We then compare with InSAR timeseries data. find that varies multiple scales decreasing dynamism height above water table e.g., hummocks < lawn hollows. trend dependent upon number factors including ecohydrology, pool size/density, density, slope. At site be grouped into central, marginal, peatlands each showing characteristic amplitude, peak timing, response climate events. Ground measurements which incorporate local show good comparability satellite radar derived timeseries. However, current limitations phase unwrapping in interferometry means during an extreme drought/event readings only qualitatively replicate movement most dynamic parts systems, quaking bog.