Regionalization of Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements Based on a Multiple Regression Approach

The article presents results of a case study in northeastern Germany, where magnetic susceptibility assessment was carried out at grid-wise field measurements. The measurements were clustered into three different depth levels, which represent the humus layer, the transition zone between humus layer and mineral horizon, and the mineral horizon. Taking these three depth levels, a multiple regression-based regionalization approach was applied, testing and using additional environmental parameters derived from geology, topography, and stand type with the aim to develop a comprehensive model for spatial variability of magnetic susceptibility. Spatial variation of magnetic susceptibility was predicted with a high precision by the multiple linear regression models. A slightly differing set of model parameters was selected for the single depth levels. In tendency, magnetic susceptibility values in depth level 6-10 cm were best explained by the distance to Bitterfeld and by soil properties. In depth level 11-15 cm, variables which describe the orographic conditions and stand properties gain in importance. In depth level 21-25 cm, variables indicating soil and site properties disappear completely. Here, aspect and land surface characteristics play a major role together with stand properties. A spatial stratification of the model for a distance of up to 25 km to the former emitters provided a further improvement of the model quality considering the prediction of small-scale variations of magnetic susceptibility.