Ground Penetrating Radar Profiles Research Articles

The current state of Lake Dålk (Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica)

The study focuses on the current state of englacial Lake Dålk (Larsemann Hills Oasis), which was completely devastated in January 2017 by a catastrophic outburst and formed again in February 2020. A set of works including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiling, geodetic survey, core drilling, thermometric measurements and isotopic analysis was performed. As a result, new data were obtained about the modern boundaries of the reservoir, ice thickness and depths, as well as about the peculiarities of freezing of the lake after re-formation. Based on the field data obtained, one-dimensional mathematical modeling of Lake Dålk freezing was carried out, the results of which showed further scenarios of its evolution.

Integration of in‐mine seismic and GPR surveys to gain advanced knowledge of Bushveld Complex orebodies

AbstractImproving the exploration of deep‐seated mineral deposits and assessing the stability of the mine pillars require that geophysical techniques are deployed in a fast and cost‐effective manner with minimal environmental impact. This research presents results from in‐mine reflection seismic experiments and a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey conducted at the Maseve platinum mine, South Africa. The research aims to develop and implement methods to image platinum group metal (PGM) deposits and geological structures near mine tunnels and assess the stability of pillars. The seismic experiments were conducted using a sledgehammer source (10 lb), conventional cabled geophones (14 Hz), and a landstreamer with 4.5 Hz vertical component geophones. The GPR survey was conducted using a Noggin 500 GPR system with 500 MHz centre frequency. An image of the underlying orebody and geological structures down to 100 m from the mine tunnel floor (∼500 m below ground surface) was produced. We correlated the coherent reflections beneath the tunnel floor with a known Upper Group (UG2) PGM orebody. The final seismic section shows that the UG2 mineralisation is dissected by near‐vertical dykes, faults and fractures. These structures, faults in particular, are interpreted to have been active post‐mineralisation, implying that they may have contributed to the current complex geometry of the deposit. Four GPR profiles were collected around a stability pillar adjacent to the seismic lines. The radargram sections were processed to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N). The results show different patterns of fracturing and stress‐induced structures. These fractures were shown to be sub‐vertical and, possibly, constitute complex micro‐structures within the pillar, which could compromise the pillar stability and integrity. The study demonstrates that in‐mine seismic and GPR surveys can be cost‐effective and valuable for mineral exploration.

Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Analyses for Assessment of Potential Coal Prospects in Tirah Area, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the Paleocene coal in the Tirah area, District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, utilizing onsite Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) experiments combined with geochemical analyses of obtained coal-rock samples. ERT and GPR profiles, along with geochemical data, were collected and meticulously analyzed to assess the potential and quality of coal seams based on coal ranking, aiming to delineate their spatial distribution and future exploitation prospects. The study reveals a wide range of resistivity values, spanning from 8.93 Ωm to 2472 Ωm. The uppermost layer, comprising silt and clay with water saturation, exhibits resistivity values ranging from 8.93 Ωm to 50 Ωm. The subsequent stratum, characterized by wet sandstone with minor shale and clay, has resistivity values between 50 Ωm and 95.3 Ωm. Significantly, the zone with resistivity values between 95.3 Ωm and 800 Ωm is identified as the probable host of the coal seams. Based on the results, the coal seams are estimated to exist at depths ranging from 14 to 23 m, with resistivity values between 95.3 Ωm and 800 Ωm. GPR results further corroborate these findings, revealing coal-bearing strata at various depths, thus confirming the ERT results. Additionally, proximate and ultimate analysis provided insights into the quality of the coal, with average concentration values of moisture content (6.95%), ash content (22.12%), volatile matter (28.55%), fixed carbon (42.40%), carbon content (55.35%), hydrogen (4.7%), nitrogen (0.95%), sulfur (4.82%), and oxygen (10.06%). Comparative analyses of the obtained results with local coals from the Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan, and coal from Ogboyaga, Nigeria, confirm that the studied coal ranks as sub-bituminous. This comprehensive assessment offers valuable insights into the potential and quality of Paleocene coal in the studied region and is applicable to other areas with similar geological settings.

Application of Ground-Penetrating Radar with the Logging Data Constraint in the Detection of Fractured Rock Mass in Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing, China

Geologic interpretation results from conventional ground-penetrating radar (GPR) detection methods tend to have a certain degree of uncertainty. In order to improve the reliability of ground-penetrating radars in the detection of rock mass fissures in grottoes, this study proposes a ground-penetrating radar detection method with the logging data constraint, which is applied to detect the fractured rock mass in the Baodingshan Scenic Area of Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing, China. First, conventional logging and borehole televiewer data were compared and verified, yielding detailed lithological and wellbore fissure information. Next, electromagnetic wave velocity was calibrated using GPR profile and the depth of the stratigraphic interface determined by borehole data. Utilizing this calibrated velocity, we are able to accurately calculate the depth values of anomalies in GPR interpretation profiles. Subsequently, we compared the preliminary GPR interpretation profile with the borehole televiewer images. After eliminating false anomalies caused by interference, we obtained more reliable location information for detection targets such as fissures, fracture zones, and weak interlayers. The results of fissure detection in the Dazu Rock Carvings indicate that the detection results of ground-penetrating radar are verified and supplemented under the constraints of stratigraphic and well-wall fissure information obtained by logging. This effectively mitigates the influence of multiplicity and false anomalies of GPR detection on interpretation results. GPR with the logging data constraint enhances the accuracy of the fissure detection results, providing novel technical means for the protection and restoration of grotto relics.

Integration of Ground Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Methods to Investigate Subsurface Features at Kish Archaeological site, Babylon, Iraq

Several geophysical techniques, including magnetic, Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), have been used to investigate archaeological features because they are non-destructive and inexpensive compared to traditional methods such as excavation. GPR has been used in the Governorate of Babylon, Kish archeological site to investigate the subsurface ancient features.The GPR survey carried out on three parallel profiles. The length of each profile is 29 m and the spacing between each adjacent profile is 15 meters. The antennas 450 MHz and 750 MHz were used. The data was processed using GPR SliceV7 software. The GPR profiles indicate the presence of buried features, which may be an ancient wall. The wall is buried at a depth range between 0.5 and 3 m. Outside the study area, some part of the wall is visible on the surface. Three Electrical resistivity image (ERI) profiles (1, 2 and 3) were carried out by using wenner array to check the main features detected by GPR method. The ERI results are confirmed the GPR profiles (1, 2, and 3). Both methods indicate the existence of an ancient wall trending NW-SE. The thickness of the wall is approximately 3m and is located at distance 7.5-10.5 meters at profile 1 in the south and at distance 10-13 m in profiles 2 and 3. The depth of the wall ranges from 3–3.5 m. Another deep wall was also detected in the GPR profile 1 and in the three profiles of ERI method. The current work confirmed the importance of using ERI method with GPR method to investigate shallow subsurface features.

GPR and Magnetic Techniques to Locate Ancient Mining Galleries (Linares, Southeast Spain)

Old mining districts have created numerous subsurface cavities, often at shallow depths. The resulting subsidence risk is a major territorial planning problem, especially when these holes are in urban expansion areas. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic techniques can help to detect and to characterise these shallow mining structures based on the strong contrast of electromagnetic and magnetic properties (dielectric constant and magnetic susceptibility) between the rock and the backfill of cavities. In the present study, these techniques were used to locate old mining cavities near the city of Linares, located south of Spain and connected to the area’s old mining district. GPR and magnetometry (total magnetic field and vertical magnetic gradient) were performed on a grid in one of the most important veins in the sector. By comparing both working methods, the vein structure within the granite can be detected. On the one hand, the magnetic prospecting technique (magnetic anomalies) has allowed us to detect when the vein is covered by metallic elements of natural or anthropogenic origin. On the other hand, strong reflections and hyperbolic events associated in GPR profiles confirm the presence of cavities related to old mining operations. Shallow magnetic anomalies not associated to GPR variations are related to the slag present in the study area (detected in the outcrop) or to unexploited vein mineralizations.

GPR survey on underwater archaeological site: A case study at Jenipapo stilt village in the eastern Amazon region, Brazil

In this work we present and discuss the results of a pioneering Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey performed at the underwater archaeological stilt village called Jenipapo in the eastern Amazon region. Jenipapo stilt village is located on the Turiaçu River, Maranhão State, Northeast of Brazil. The region is known as the Maranhense wetland where settlements were built by indigenous populations that inhabited this region during the pre-colonial period (∼AD 1 – 1100). These settlements were built on the margin of rivers and lakes, being supported by wooden pillars, corresponding to prehistoric stilt houses. The objectives of this research are to refine the wooden pillars location at the Turiaçu River bottom and guide the search for underwater archaeological artifacts. A total of twelve GPR profiles were acquired with 270 MHz antennas using a rubber boat. The GPR results indicated clear signal reflection from the river bottom and several diffraction hyperbolas suspended over the river bottom related to the top of the wooden pillars. To support the interpretation of the results, a GPR numerical modeling was performed to simulate the diffraction hyperbolas suspended in the water related to the wooden pillars. The synthetic result presented a good agreement with real data. Finally, the location of several diffraction hyperbolas can guide the divers to find and collect archaeological artifacts around the underwater wooden pillars that are the best evidence of the stilt houses of indigenous settlements found in the eastern Amazon region. Several archaeological artifacts were found during previous work, including ceramic materials. The results of this research show the capability of the GPR method to map an underwater wooden pillar and increase the probability of finding archaeological artifacts on the river bottom, which contributes to improve the knowledge of the Amazonian archaeology in Brazil.

Geologic and Geophysical Evidence of Repeated Normal Faulting on the Itozawa Fault—the Source of the Mw 6.6 Iwaki Earthquake Triggered by the Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki Megathrust Earthquake, Northeast Japan

ABSTRACT The 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake ruptured the 500 km long and 200 km wide convergent plate margin between the North American and Pacific plates, and changed the crustal stress field and triggered widespread seismic activity in northeast Japan. In particular, many crustal earthquakes struck the southern Fukushima area. The largest inland normal-faulting earthquake with Mw 6.6 occurred on the northwest-trending Yunodake fault and the north-northwest-trending Itozawa fault on 11 April 2011. The coseismic surface ruptures appeared along the previously identified active and presumed active faults. To investigate the near-surface structure of the Itozawa fault, we conducted ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiling across the fault, and two drilling surveys on its hanging-wall and footwall blocks. The GPR survey line about 50 m long was located near the previous trenching site. The GPR two-way travel-time sections were collected by common-offset modes by 50 and 100 MHz GPR systems. We acquired common midpoint ensembles on both sides of the surface rupture for depth conversion of the time sections. The resulting GPR sections show detailed subsurface structures to a depth of about 7 m. We identified event horizons for the 2011, penultimate, antepenultimate, and preantepenultimate earthquakes, indicating that the Itozawa fault has ruptured repeatedly as a normal fault. The vertical displacements during these earthquake events, obtained from the GPR sections, were about 0.8, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.7 m, respectively. These observations suggest that the coseismic surface offset amount on the Itozawa fault varies greatly. The recurrence intervals of surface-rupturing earthquakes on the Itozawa fault, calculated from the previous research and this study, are much longer than those of giant interplate earthquakes along the Japan trench, such as the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake. We conclude that not every giant earthquake along the Japan trench triggers a rupture of the Itozawa fault.

Surface-Related Multiples Elimination for Waterborne GPR Data

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a well-respected, effective, and efficient geophysical technique. However, for underwater engineering detection and underwater archaeology, the measured B-scan profiles typically contain surface-related multiple waves, which can reduce the signal to noise ratio and interfere with the interpretation of results. SRME is a feedback iteration method based on wave equation, which is frequently utilized in marine seismic explorations but very rarely in GPR underwater engineering detection. To fill this gap, we applied SRME to suppress multiples that appear in GPR underwater images. When we compared the effectiveness of the underwater horizontal layered model and the underwater undulating interface model, we found a high match rate between the predicted and the real-world multiples. In addition, the addition of the Gaussian random noise level with a 4% maximum amplitude to the B-scan profile of the horizontal stratified model yielded satisfactory multiple suppression results. Finally, we applied this method to the B-scan GPR section of actual underwater archaeological images to achieve multiple suppression, which can more effectively weaken and inhibit the surface-related multiples. Both numerical simulations and actual field data show that the SRME method is highly suitable for interpreting waterborne GPR data, and more accurate interpretation can be obtained from the GPR profile after multiples suppression.

Monitoring and characterization of water infiltration in soil unsaturated zone through an integrated geophysical approach

This paper presents an integrated geophysical method to characterize the vadose zone by conducting lab-scale infiltration experiments, during which time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) sections and ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles were simultaneously and continuously captured together with soil moisture and temperature probing devices installed at various depths. Time series water content data obtained from the moisture sensors, coupled with discreetly calibrated petrophysical relationships and time-lapse datasets from ERT and GPR, were combined to monitor the spatial–temporal evolution of soil water content during wetting and drying and to track the downward progression of wetting front. Reduction in electrical resistivity as well as increment in dielectric constant were converted to rising soil moisture, and then further scaled into cumulative infiltration through integration with corresponding wetting depth as observed through the experiment. Robust estimates regarding controlling vadose zone parameters such as infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity were subsequently achieved by fitting the results from complementary investigations with an unsaturated infiltration model. With calibrated saturated hydraulic conductivity fitted well with reported and experimentally derived ranges, it’s suggested that the model is capable of reflecting average changes in infiltration rate at the lab scale. However, the model intrinsically lacks the ability to provide spatial variations of hydraulic parameters, thereby further investigation is essential to establish a suitable model for characterizing the more complex vadose zone at field scale.

Comparing Thermal Regime Stages along a Small Yakutian Fluvial Valley with Point Scale Measurements, Thermal Modeling, and Near Surface Geophysics

Arctic regions are highly impacted by the global temperature rising and its consequences and influences on the thermo-hydro processes and their feedbacks. Theses processes are especially not very well understood in the context of river–permafrost interactions and permafrost degradation. This paper focuses on the thermal characterization of a river–valley system in a continuous permafrost area (Syrdakh, Yakutia, Eastern Siberia) that is subject to intense thawing, with major consequences on water resources and quality. We investigated this Yakutian area through two transects crossing the river using classical tools such as in–situ temperature measurements, direct active layer thickness estimations, unscrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery, heat transfer numerical experiments, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). Of these two transects, one was closely investigated with a long-term temperature time series from 2012 to 2018, while both of them were surveyed by geophysical and UAV data acquisition in 2017 and 2018. Thermodynamical numerical simulations were run based on the long-term temperature series and are in agreement with river thermal influence on permafrost and active layer extensions retrieved from GPR and ERT profiles. An electrical resistivity-temperature relationship highlights the predominant role of water in such a complicated system and paves the way to coupled thermo-hydro-geophysical modeling for understanding permafrost–river system evolution.

Mapping subsurface defects and surface deformation along the artificial levee of the Lower Tisza River, Hungary

Artificial levees along alluvial rivers are major components of flood-risk mitigation. This is especially true in the case of Hungary, where more than one-third of the country is threatened by floods and protected by an over 4200-km-long levee system. Most of such levees were built in the nineteenth century. Since then, several natural and anthropogenic processes, such as compaction and erosion, might have contributed to these earth structures' slow but steady deformation. Meanwhile, as relevant construction works were scarcely documented, the structure and composition of artificial levees are not well known. Therefore, the present analysis mapped structural differences, possible compositional deficiencies, and sections where elevation decrease is significant along a 40-km section of the Lower Tisza River. Investigations were conducted using real-time kinematic GPS and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Onsite data acquisition was complemented with an analysis using a Persistent Scatterer Synthetic Aperture Radar to assess general surface deformation. GPR profiles showed several anomalies, including structural and compositional discontinuities and local features. The GPR penetration depth varied between 3 and 4 m. According to height measurements, the mean elevation of the levee crown decreased by 8 cm in 40 years. However, the elevation decrease reached up to 30 cm at some locations. Sections affected by structural anomalies, compositional changes, and increased surface subsidence are especially sensitive to floods when measurement results are compared with flood phenomena archives.

Research on Underground Pipeline Detection Method Based on Background Matrix Subtraction and Three-Dimensional Velocity Spectrum

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) can detect urban underground pipelines and image their spatial distribution. However, due to the interference of direct wave and ground reflected wave in radar profile, the detection accuracy of underground pipeline depth is low. In order to improve the reliability and accuracy of the interpretation of ground penetrating radar data, it is necessary to suppress the noise, and then to detect underground pipelines. Firstly, on the basis of data collection, a background matrix subtraction (BMS) method is proposed to suppress noise signals, and the Noise reduction effect is compared and analyzed by two groups of simulation data and two groups of measured data examples with the method of reducing average channel and singular decomposition. Then, a three-dimensional velocity spectrum (3DVS) method is proposed to estimate the buried depth of underground pipeline in radar profile, and the propagation velocity of electromagnetic wave in underground media is calculated by automatically scanning the hyperbolic reflection signal. The estimated velocity is used to carry out back-propagation migration (BPM) processing on the ground penetrating radar profile, and the underground pipeline is accurately detected. Finally, the underground pipeline detection method based on BMS and 3DVS is applied to a residential area in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. The detection results show that the effect of BMS is obviously better than that of mean-reducing method and singular decomposition method, which can suppress the noise well on the basis of ensuring that the effective signal is not lost. It is helpful to identify the characteristics of target signal in ground penetrating radar profile, and improve the accuracy and reliability of data interpretation. The error between the velocity value estimated by the 3DVS method and the real value is less than 3.8%, and the buried depth error of pipeline target in the obtained data is 1.4%, which indicates that the algorithm has practical application value and can realize the accurate positioning of underground pipelines.

Reconstructing the Geometry of the Yushu Fault in the Tibetan Plateau Using TLS, GPR and Trenching

Although geomorphic evidence and shallow geometry of active faults are significant for the understanding and assessing of fault activity and seismic hazards, it is challenging to acquire high-resolution topographic data and shallow geometry of the Yushu fault by conventional methods. Here, we present a case study to reconstruct the detailed surficial and subsurface geometry of the Yushu fault using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), multi-frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) and trenching. TLS was suitable for measuring the high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) topographic data of the fault. GPR surveys with different frequency antennas (25 MHz, 100 MHz, 250 MHz and 500 MHz) were conducted to image the shallow geometry of active faults at different depths and spatial resolutions. The typical groove landscape, parallel to surface traces of the fault, was clearly observed on the TLS-derived data. A ~40 m width narrow fault system and three faults were identified on the different frequency GPR profiles. Furthermore, faults F1 and F2 were supposed to be boundary faults but were sinistral-lateral strike-slip faults with a normal component, while fault F3 was inferred as the secondary fault. The western trench section, despite the limited investigation depth (~2 m), was well consistent with the 500 MHz GPR result, especially in the location of fault F2. Finally, a 3D surficial and subsurface model was established from the TLS-derived data and GPR data offering multi-sensor and multi-view spatial data to characterize and understand the fault’s kinematics and characteristics. In addition, the shallow geometry of the fault on the GPR results would be better interpreted with the help of the corresponding surficial data. The study results demonstrate that a combination of TLS, multi-frequency GPRs and trenching can be successfully used for reconstructing a detailed surficial and subsurface geometry of the Yushu fault. It will play an increasing role in comprehensive understanding and assessing fault behavior and seismic hazards, especially on the Tibetan Plateau and the adjacent area.

Holocene right-lateral slip-rate revealed by sediment core analyses and ground penetrating radar profiling, the Sagiriko fault, Izu Peninsula, Japan, at the northern tip of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc

On the Izu Peninsula of Japan, the Sagiriko fault group is located to the south of the Kita-Izu fault zone, which ruptured during the 1930 Kita-Izu earthquake (Mjma = 7.3). A NS-trending strand of the Sagiriko fault group was ruptured during the 1930 earthquake, but conjugate EW-trending strands were not ruptured, and no Holocene activity on them has been documented. We surveyed the near-surface structure across the Sagiriko-b fault, one of the EW-trending strands, by ground penetrating radar profiling and radiocarbon dating of sediments obtained from two drilling cores. The results revealed a right-lateral displacement of 5.5 m of fluvial terraces around the survey site that formed after about 10 ka. The right-lateral slip-rate was calculated to be more than 0.55 mm/yr. This rate, which is significantly smaller than the crustal contraction rate in this area, suggests that the crustal contraction was probably spread across several EW-trending active faults parallel to the Sagiriko-b fault.

Applying ground penetrating radar to tracking of ancient architectural transformations: The case of the monastery St. Peter on the Island of Rab (Croatia)

The ground-penetrating radar (GPR) method has been used for many years in archaeological research. However, this method is still not widely used in studies of past architecture. The biggest problem with the implementation of the GPR method at such sites is usually connected with extensive debris layers, plant cover and standing relics of walls and other features that restrict the available measurement area. Despite of these, properly performed GPR surveys, even on a small area, can yield significant information concerning underground architectural relicts. Moreover, the results of GPR profiling integrated with historical and archeological data allow for three-dimensional reconstruction of the examined architectural monuments and in the next step, they track architectural transformations. Relics of the Romanesque St. Peter monastery, located in the northern part of the Island of Rab, is a good example of the successful GPR survey. Results of the performed geophysical reconnaissance in conjunction with the query of archival materials made it possible to visualize a spatial (3D) appearance of three main phases of the site architectural development, despite a very limited area available for geophysical survey. According to the authors, such a comprehensive approach should be a standard in contemporary geophysical research focused on relics of the past architecture.

Integration of Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to Characterize the Three-Dimensional (3D) Geometry of the Maoyaba Segment of the Litang Fault, Southeastern Tibetan Plateau

High-resolution topographic and stratigraphic datasets have been increasing applied in active fault investigation and seismic hazard assessment. There is a need for the comprehensive analysis of active faults on the basis of the correlating geomorphologic features and stratigraphic data. The integration of TLS and GPR was adopted to characterize the 3D geometry of the fault on the Maoyaba segment of Litang fault. The TLS was used to obtain the high-resolution topographic data for establishing the 3D surficial model of the fault. The 2D 250 MHz and 500 MHz GPR profiles were carried out to image the shallow geometry of the fault along four survey lines. In addition, the 3D GPR survey was performed by ten 2D 500 MHz GPR profiles with 1 m spacing. From the 2D and 3D GPR results, a wedge-shaped deformation zone of the electromagnetic wave was clearly found on the GPR profiles, and it was considered to be the main fault zone with a small graben structure. Three faults were identified on the main fault zone, and fault F1 and F3 were the boundary faults, while the fault F2 was the secondary fault. The subsurface geometry of the fault on the GPR interpreted results is consistent with the geomorphologic features of the TLS-derived data, and it indicates that the Maoyaba fault is a typical, normal fault. For reducing the environmental disruption and economic losses, GPR was the most optimal method for detecting the subsurface structures of active faults in the Litang fault with a non-destructive and cost-effective fashion. The 3D surface and subsurface geometry of the fault was interpreted from the integrated data of TLS and GPR. The fusion data also offers the chance for the subsurface structures of active faults on the GPR profiles to be better understood with its corresponding superficial features. The study results demonstrate that the integration of TLS and GPR has the capability to obtain the high-resolution micro geomorphology and shallow geometry of active faults on the Maoyaba segment of the Litang fault, and it also provides a future prospect for the integration of TLS and GPR, and is valuable for active fault investigation and seismic hazard assessment, especially in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area.

Optimization of Dominant Frequency and Bandwidth Analysis in Multi-Frequency 3D GPR Signals to Identify Contaminated Areas.

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used in investigations of contaminated areas because of its sensitivity to variations associated with the nature of pore fluids. However, most of the studies were usually based on the visual interpretation of radargrams or on a time domain amplitude analysis. In this work, we propose a methodology that consists of analyzing the spectral content of the signal recorded in multi-frequency 3D GPR profiles. A remarkable advantage of this type of antenna is its step-frequency system, which provides a much wider emission spectrum than the one corresponding to conventional single-frequency antennas. From the data in the frequency domain, the dominant frequency and bandwidth were calculated as parameters whose variation could be related to the presence of light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) in the subsurface. By analyzing the variations of these two parameters simultaneously, we were able to delimit the contaminated zones in a case study, associating them with a significant shift of the frequency spectrum with respect to the average of the study area. Finally, as a validation method of the proposed methodology, the results of the frequency analysis were compared with resistivity data obtained with an electromagnetic conductivity meter, showing a very good correlation between the results.

Facies analysis, depositional activity, and internal structure of sieve deposits on an active alluvial fan

AbstractSieve lobes typically appear in gravel‐rich and matrix‐poor alluvial fans. Despite being extensively studied, the sieve‐lobe facies has been defined largely based on qualitative field observations without quantitative sedimentological analyses. Additionally, depositional activity of sieve lobes has not been monitored over extended periods (monthly to annually) and not directly associated with specific precipitation triggers. Furthermore, the internal geometry of sieve‐lobe built alluvial fans has not yet been imaged by subsurface methods. We performed a multi‐method analysis of sieve lobes in the Julian Alps (NW Slovenia) on an alpine alluvial fan composed of carbonate gravels. We performed a detailed textural and structural sedimentological analysis of 11 recent sieve lobes differing in size and age. A three‐year aerial survey of the alluvial fan surface with a small unmanned aircraft and photogrammetric modelling was used to detect active sieve‐lobe evolution. Detected sieve‐lobe formation events and volumetric surface changes were paired with triggering precipitation events. Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) profiling depicted the geometry of the sieve‐lobe built alluvial fan. The sieve‐lobe facies consists of over 80% poorly sorted, open‐framework gravels and less than 2% mud. Lobes exhibit downward coarsening and increase in clast mean size. These textural and structural characteristics are present in all sieve lobes regardless of their age and size. Sieve lobes form with a sub‐annual frequency, usually following 24 h rainfall events exceeding 50 mm. Over 1000 m3 of sediment was deposited during these events. The GPR profiles confirm that the studied alluvial fan is formed predominantly by stacked sieve lobes. Quantitative sedimentary analysis of sieve lobes, monitoring of their recent evolution, and depiction of their subsurface geometry—demonstrated in this study—reinforce the challenged concept that sieve lobes are one of the main building blocks of alluvial fans. This work also demonstrates that, under specific conditions, sieving may become the dominant alluvial fan‐forming process.

Geophysical measurements of the southernmost microglacier in Europe suggest permafrost occurrence in the Pirin Mountains (Bulgaria)

Abstract. There are no large glaciers in the territory of Bulgaria, but small patches of snow and firn have been observed in the high mountains at the end of summer. Perennial snow patches and microglaciers are considered indicators of permafrost occurrence. The results from the first detailed geophysical investigations of the Snezhnika glacieret, considered to be the southernmost microglacier in Europe, situated in the Golyam Kazan cirque, Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria, are presented in the paper. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were used to estimate the thickness of the microglacier as well as its subsurface structure. Measurements started in 2018 and continued over the next 2 years in order to assess changes in its size and thickness. The mean thickness of Snezhnika is about 4–6 m, reaching 8 m or probably more in some areas. ERT measurements of the deeper parts of the microglacier beds show high electrical resistivities reaching over 60 000 Ωm at a depth of 4–10 m. An anomaly at this depth is likewise distinguishable on the GPR profiles. These anomalies are interpreted as permafrost areas and were consistently observed on the ERT and GPR profiles in the 2 years of the study. These results imply for the first time the existence of permafrost in the Pirin Mountains and in Bulgaria.