Soil deformation and its spectral signature

Spatial variation of the surface micro-relief in a Sharkey clay soil was investigated. The micro-relief measurements of the soil surface were obtained using an automated infrared laser system and evaluated with methods of Fourier analysis. The authors illustrate the spectral technique with a simple example and then use the technique to interpret the surface micro-relief patterns of soil samples subjected to three simulated rainstorm intensities. The periodicity of the soil surface micro-relief in the longitudinal direction was 80-120 mm. The periodic surface micro-relief patterns immediately following the rainstorm are shown to be an early manifestation of the cracking pattern. Published in 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.