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Detection of karst features using ground‑penetrating radar: a case study from the western limestone plateau, Assiut, Egypt Environmental Earth Sciences

Research Authors
M. O. Ebraheem and H. A. Ibrahim
Research Abstract

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) techniques have been progressively developed to investigate several types of subsurface
sedimentary features particularly in the upper zone of carbonate rocks. Most of common subsurface sedimentary heterogeneities
such as karst in the western carbonate plateau of Assiut were formed by natural processes. Detection of the karst
is very important to face up the expected socio-economical pressure, resulting from the dense population around the Nile
Valley and important for the cement industry. These heterogeneities represent anomalies or departures from the surrounding
or “background” geologic conditions which make them easier to detect by GPR. All the GPR profiles are made using an
antenna 200 MHz. The 400 MHz antenna is used only to get more details on one of the detected abnormal zones. A series of
the 3D model cross-section with variable depths in addition to 3D modules for the karst is constructed to ascertain the existence
and the characteristics of these features. The careful analysis of the upper part of constructed GPR cross-section in the
area is implemented by a digital three-dimensional model. It is believed that the examined area which having low-contrast
variable-depth heterogeneities (karst features) may give a satisfactory outcome only by 3D simulation. This study indicates
significant potential for the presence of karst in different locations and depths.

Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Environmental Earth Sciences
Research Member
Research Publisher
Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature
Research Vol
78
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8572-x
Research Year
2019
Research Pages
563