Magnetic susceptibility in the soils along communication routes in the Town of Opole

Abstract

Magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken in eight selected streets of Opole, with diversified vehicle traffic intensity. The experiment surfaces were marked on every street, with two separate zones: A - a strip directly adjacent to the road and B - a strip 1 m away from the road edge. The carried out research indicated considerable influence of communication-generated pollution, with simultaneous influence of other local emission sources. The relation of magnetic anomalies was indicated, which may be the result of ferromagnetic materials aggregation, originating mainly from combustion processes. The road structure, including the surface condition, the main construction material and susceptibility of the surface to cracking are equally important when considering the magnetic increase. A considerable variation of magnetic measurements in different season was pointed out; however, the largest median values of magnetic susceptibility were recorded in the summer season.