The use of ground penetrating radar for mapping rock stratigraphy and tectonics: Implications for geotechnical engineering

Abstract

This paper presents results from ground penetrating radar surveys using the SIR-10B GPR instrument (manufactured by Geophysical Survey System Inc., USA), with 400 MHz monostatic antenna (model 5 103). Survey was made over 3 excavation levels along the highway section at the Ras en Naqab escarpment area, Southwest Jordan. A total of 217 m along 4 profiles were covered in the winter of 2012. The objectives of the study are (i) to evaluate the resolution of the GPR technique in the field for detecting and locating anomalies caused by subsurface structures like cavities, fractures and faults, and (ii) to describe stratigraphic nomenclature of the subsurface rocks of the area. 2D interpretation of the obtained data and the geological information demonstrate a strong correlation between the GPR anomalies and the subsurface geology. Based upon the lateral and vertical velocity changes with depth, the thickness and orientation of the subsurface layers are outlined. Analysis of the exposed section shows good agreement between the estimated thicknesses of lithostratigraphic units and the quantitative assessment of the radar waves velocity inferred from GPR data.

Keywords

ground penetrating radar / rock stratigraphy / rock tectonics / Ras en Naqab / Jordan

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