Integration of the GPR and radio-impedance techniques in studies of the Baikal rift zone

Abstract

R adio wave propagation techniques have been very rarely applied to investigate tectonic fault zones and geoelectric profiles of the Baikal rift zone. In our study, we used a combination of g round-penetrating radar (GPR) and radio impedance techniques in order to identify and investigate tectonic crustal fault zones in the study area. Using soundings in the super-long, long and ultra short radio wave ranges (from tens of KHz to few GHz ) , we detected the tectonic fault zones in t he seismically active Baikal rift zone , specifically in the Tunk a depression and the areas of South ern Baikal and Kotokel lake s. Faults and fault zones were identified from impedance variations and changes in the geoelectric profiles by analyzing the radio impedance profiles and soundings in the super-long and long radio wave ranges . The georadi o location of fault structures in the ultra-short wave range made it possible to differentiate the patterns of tectonic disturbances up to individual seismic dislocations in sedimentary and crystalline rocks and to determine the kinematics of movements in the fault zone s . The techniques used in this study complement each other and ensure obtaining adequate quantitative descri ptions of the study object s . By i ntegrati ng various techniques of radio wave diagnostics , it is possible to obtain more detailed information on the structure s of the tectonic fault zones . The results obtained in this study and the radio impedance and GPR sounding and profiling techniques developed to investigate a heterogeneous underlying medium can be used in seismological and geological engineering surveys of the eastern and northern regions of Russia.