Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in coastal hazard studies

Abstract

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) offers a non-invasive, high-resolution, subsurface-imaging method that can give 2D and 3D images of the subsurface. When used in conjunction with boreholes, shallow excavations, and suitable dating methods, it can greatly aid our understanding of the formation of various coastal deposits. GPR is commonly used in beach-ridge sequences and barrier islands for the imaging of overwash sand lenses and erosional surfaces or scarps that record the landfall of storms and/or tsunamis. This chapter presents the basic principles, issues, limitations and inherent assumptions that a GPR user must bear in mind to extract the maximum paleo-hazard information from a GPR survey in coastal settings. As the resolution and precision of the GPR method continues to improve with better imaging techniques and improved processing capabilities, it is likely to play an increasing role in the study of paleo-events related to coastal hazards. Show more