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Ground motion surveys have a variety of environmental applications, including the monitoring of peatland and landfill sites for example.  

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Peatland ecosystems are made up of organic matter or partially decayed vegetation. They are the most efficient carbon sink on earth, containing up to 455 billion metric tons of sequestered carbon globally. Large areas of organic peat are drained for fuel, forestry and agriculture. When peat is drained, organic carbon, which was previously submersed under water, is exposed to the air; as a consequence, peat oxidises and carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. When decomposition occurs, the peatland surface lowers; conversely when peatlands are restored the surface rises. Thus, land surface motion can be an indicator of the health of peatland environments and climate change. 

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Over landfill sites subsidence results as a consequence of shifting solid waste and the decomposition of garbage and can be an indication of leachate, which may cause pollution.  Land stability is also an important pre-requisite for the reclamation of landfill sites.

Peatland Degradation and Recovery:

Irish Midlands, Ireland