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Application of ground penetrating radar in

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 Application of Ground Penetrating Radar in Placer Mineral
Exploration for Mapping Subsurface Sand Layers: A Case Study

V.J. LOVESON#, R.P. BARNWAL#, V.K. SINGH#, A.R.GUJAR* AND

G.V.RAJAMANICKAM**
#
Central Mining Research Institute, Dhanbad
*National Institute of Oceanography, Goa
**SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur

ABSTRACT
Owing to the limitations of the existing conventional methods for mapping subsurface
sedimentary layers, Geophysical methods especially GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar)
techniques are widely being used. For the present study, a 60 m long transect at Nagoor
beach, Tamil Nadu has been traversed using GPR system (GSSI make SIR 20 system) with
200 Mhz and 400 Mhz antennae. A trail pit upto 1.25 m depth has been refereed for sampling
and correlation purpose with GPR data. Several GPR profiles have been carried out along and
across the trail pit with different gains. The GPR data signs agreement with the field
observations (trail pit data) and appreciably correlating with the heavy mineral and white sand
layers. Based on the significant signature of the heavy mineral layers, they could be traced all
along the sub-surface profile. It is also seen that the graunlometric data on sorting, kurtosis
and skewness have fairly agreement with the GPR data. More discussions have been
enumerated in the paper, which warrants more such studies for the establishment of inter-
relationship between the field geological parameters with the GPR sub-surface profiles.

INTRODUCTION
Effective mapping of subsurface sedimentary layers on coastal beaches through conventional methods
has always been a time consuming and may not be economically viable for low profit exploration
purpose. There are many methods already in use for investigation into the shallow depth coastal layers
like opening of area by completely removal of over-burden, drilling widely spaced boreholes,
geophysical methods such as electric and gamma logs and shallow reflection seismic profiling etc.
Although, study of layers information by trench cutting and borehole logging are the most common
methods in use, the use of geophysical methods has been increasing.

All of these methods of subsurface mapping have their own limitation in their utility. As for
example, loggings of trenches are very slow, expensive and feasible only if high quality exposures are
available. Drill core provides only a narrow column sample, with no information between cores,
wirelines log are of limited value, due to the few boreholes and wells available and the column sample
problem. In some instances such invasive techniques cannot be implemented due to environmental or
conservation considerations. Shallow seismic methods provide a continuous profiling of the sub-
surface, but vertical resolution is limited to 3-4 m (Jol, 1991).

Therefore a portable, low cost and robust continuous subsurface profiling system was needed
which has high resolution mapping capability. And now, the modern Ground Penetrating Radar
(GPR) system is proved to be the most suitable technology, which could satisfy the need of scientific
community for study of high-resolution subsurface stratigraphy including beaches areas.

THE GPR CONCEPT AND SYSTEM:

A typical GPR system (Fig. 1) essentially comprised of either a single transmitting and receiving
antennae or two separate transmitting and receiving antennae, control unit, data logger, recording and
display unit. In this system, Control unit is meant for generating a short electrical pulse, and
transmitter/ receiver are used for converting electrical pulse into an electro-magnetic pulse of radio
frequency and transmitting it into the ground, or receiving it. The transmitted signals propagate
through the ground, which is then reflected from different sedimentary layers or materials having
different electrical properties. These reflected signals received by the receiver of the antennae which
is then directed to display unit via control unit and can be interpreted in real time even in the field, or
digitized and transferred to a personal computer where different digital signal processing procedures
can be applied to enhance the signals and apply corrections or filters for some of the distortion that is
inherent to the data acquisition procedures.

Field
Computer Controller 6 V DC Battery

GPR Antennae
Transmitter
Survey Wheel Receiver

Figure1: Typical Ground Penetrating Radar System

WORKING THEORY OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR:

The GPR technique works on the principal of reflection and refraction theory of electromagnetic
waves (Fig.2). The reflection and refraction phenomenon is mainly governed by the electrical
properties of the ground i.e., the dielectric constant of the media, which is nothing but measure of the
ability of the material, which allows the electromagnetic energy to propagate through it. Electrical
properties of any geological materials is largely depends upon volumetric water contents, sediments
characteristics including mineralogy, grain size, the presence of organics, composition of the
sediments, orientation of the grains, shape of the grains and packing patterns of the sediments (Neal,
2004). For example, air, fresh water, seawater, unsaturated sand, silt, clay, bedrock have relative
dielectric permittivity 1, 80, 80, 2.55-7.5, 2.5 – 5, 15-40 and 4 -6, and electromagnetic wave velocity
(m/ns) of 0.3, 0.03, 0.01, 0.1-0.2, 0.09-0.12 and 0.12-0.13 respectively (Neal, 2004).

Reflection
Refraction
T R

Depth

Figure 2: Reflection and Refraction phenomena of EM waves by subsurface layers

The relative dielectric permittivity, which is controlled by the above factors, is the most
important parameter governing the reflection process and wave velocity. When a significant change in
relative permittivity is encountered, part of the electromagnetic energy is reflected, the reflection
being proportional to the magnitude of change. Low conductivity materials, such as unsaturated and
coarse-grained sediments cause little attenuation and, under ideal circumstances, penetration is of the
order of tens of meters (Davis & Annan, 1989). Penetration depth and resolution are also influenced
by the GPR frequency used for measurement. Lower antenna frequencies are suitable for greater
penetration, but do not give a good resolution. Resolution is approximately a quarter of the GPR
wavelength, and ranges from 0.08 m for saturated sands and 200 MHz antennas to 0.4 m for dry sands
and 100 MHz antenna (Remke et al., 2000).
STUDY AREA
Nagoor, lies at 100 48.823’ N and 790 51.057’ E along Tamil Nadu coast, has been chosen for the
present study (Fig.3). It is located at the confluence point of Vettar River with coast. The beach is
straight with gentle slope. It has narrow tidal area with wider backshore zone, dotted with moderately
elevated dunes. After the 26th December Tsunami, the backshore zone has been highly disturbed and
the dunes were reworked.

Fig 3. Location Map of the Study Area

METHODOLOGY
For the GPR survey, a GSSI Model SIR-20 GPR system was used with 400 MHz and 200 MHz
antennae. Survey was conducted with an aim to assess the Sedimentological disturbances, if any,
caused by the recent tsunami. Data was collected just six month after tsunami to study the post
tsunami effects on sea beaches of Nagoor area.

A transact of 60 m parallel to coastline (east-west) has been delineated for GPR profiling
(Fig.4) just right side of the river Vettar bank. For cross check, both 200 MHz antennae and 400 MHz
have been used during profiling. In addition, two longitudinal profiles of 10m length each, one using
200 MHz and another with 400 MHz antenna have been taken parallel to the pit in N-S direction.

A pit has been dug upto 1.25 m along the traverse line at about 32 m from HT line. The pit
was about 5.10 m long along the line (east-west) and 1.0m widths. Several GPR readings have been
recorded along and across the pit with various gain condition and different antennas. The GPR system
has been configured for profiling upto 2 m depth of subsurface layers. Profile-1 started from Tree side
to Sea and Profile-2 from Sea to Tree as end point as shown in figure below:
 West End Tree
W
60
S N
50
E
Survey Line using 200 & 400 MHz Antenna
40
Pit
30 Dunes

20
32 m
Pit is 32 m from HT level
10

0
HTL Sea

|----| = 10 m GPR Profile along the pit in N-S direction

= Pit (Trench of Length = 5.10 m)

Fig.4. Schematic diagram of GPR traverse line

GPS readings have been recorded using Garmin handheld GPS at various points to fix the
transverse line. Some of the readings are given below:

Landmark Location
Position at Sea Side N 10o 48.823’
E 79o 51.057’
From Sea side mid point position N 10o 48.819’
E 79o 51.036’

Mid Point Position (1) N 10o 48.814’

E 79o 51.027’
Position at Tree West end N 10o 48.814’
E 79o 51.027’
Position at Pit, East Side: N 10o 48.819’
E 79o 51.039’

Position at Pit, West Side: N 10o 48.816’

E 79o 51.037’

For mineralogical and graunlometric analysis, 12 Samples have been collected from the pit
from visibly distinctive layers from top to bottom. The samples have been analysed and the data have
been correlated with the GPR profiles in the present study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A 60 m long traverse with 200 Mhz and 400 Mhz antennas portray a good picture on the subsurface
information which do not require any more image processing analysis on the signal records.

Overview of sedimentary characteristics:

Both 200 MHz and 400 MHz appreciably records the sub-surface features. Generally, high frequency
antennas have less penetration depth but with high-resolution records. Accordingly, signals of 400
MHz are very clear and with high resolution (Fig.5) when compared to 200 MHz records.
 East Distance (m) | Pit | West

Fig.5 GPR data collected over the Nagoor coastal areas using 400 Mhz antenna

The data indicates dipping features towards seaside, depicting the coastal influence in
deposition. Near to 1 m, one can observe a strong disturbance either, magnifying the erosional surface
or moisture zone, on which, tsunami deposits are lying. This has been confirmed by the field
evidences. This shows that after intensive erosion by tsunami waves, about a meter thick deposit
might have deposited with layering of black sands.

Moreover, the GPR data clearly spelt out the sequence of many layers in the sub-surface.
Though the study area was dotted with many sand dunes as the results of strong wind action during
post-tsunami scenario, that type of characteristics are missing now. The GPR data shows a different
situation mainly indicating the accretion due to coastal waves. Below 1.00 m depth, disturbed signals
show the influence of seawater intrusion / saturated with water.

Sub-surface profiles at Pit area:

Numbers of runs have been carried out near to the trail pit. As the sands are dry upto certain depth, the
GPR data are pretty clear, indicating the layer sequences (Fig.6). At 1.0 m level, there is a strong
reflectance indicating the erosional surface / saturated surface. One can easily observe a difference of
layering signals seen at above and below 1.0 m depth. Again the dipping towards seaside indicates the
deposition by sea waves. The field evidences in respect to mineralogical composition portray that the
deposition is upto 1.0 m due to recent tsunami. This depositional feature could be traced well in the
GPR data. The layers are depicted clearly in the signals. After 1.25 m, the disturbance indicates the
saturation zone.
 East Distance (m) West

Fig.6 GPR data over Trail Pit area (400 Mhz antenna)

Correlation with Trail Pit’s details:

Trail pit was made upto 1.25 m depth (Fig.7a and b) and visual observation was done (Fig 7a and b).
The length of the pit was about 5 m along the transect (east-west).

Fig.7a: Study site of Nagoor Beach Fig. 7b: View of Trail pit at study site

White disseminated sand with heavy minerals has been recorded upto 65 cm, which forms a
single massive layer (Fig 8.a and b). But it has varying percentage of heavy mineral dissemination.
After the white san of about 10 cm thickness, black sand with dominantly of ilmenite has been
observed for another 10 cm thickness. It has been followed by the white sand and thin micro varving
band of heavy mineral. This has been followed by the alternative layers of heavy minerals and white
sand finally rested on white sand with shells. The basement shell layer is considered to be the
erosional surface over which the tsunami sediments deposited.
 5

15

25

35
White Sand
45
Black Sand
55
Micro Varving
65
White Disseminated Sand
75
White Sand with Shells
85

95

105

115

Fig. 8.Sedimentological Logging (8a), Pit Photograph (8b) and corresponding GPR Profile(8c)

The Trail pit details are correlated with the GPR data, which shows good agreement (Fig.8b
and c). The white sand layer (65 to 75 cm) and the heavy mineral layer (75 to 85 cm) have
characteristic signals where the detail in colour mode shows significant characters. The heavy mineral
layer has been easily traced all over the profile without any difficulty, owing its specialized colour
shades and characters. White sand layers prominently display unique shades, which support to follow
the layer easily. After 95 cm, the layers are thin, displaying complex signatures in the GPR data but
respective image shades retain their own characters for easy identification. Also below 1.0 m, the
saturation level has been displayed prominently.

Keeping the above correlation as key for interpretation, the heavy mineral layers could be
identified easily along with white sand layers. Also, the GPR data clearly indicates the differential
minor dislocations of each layer, place to place. This again portrays the one time sudden deposition, in
turn, fingers out the tsunami depositional characteristics.

Correlation with graunlometric parameters:

Samples have been collected from each visual layers in the trail pit and analysed in the laboratory.
The results are presented (Fig.9) as given below:
 Sedimentological Logging Sorting Kurtosis Sk ew ne s s
GPR Profile

15

25

35

45

55

65

75

85

95

105

115

White Sand Moderately Well Sorted Leptokurtic Coarse Skewed

Black Sand Well Sorted Mesokurtic Symmetrical

Micro Varving Fine Skewed

White Disseminated Sand

White Sand with Shells

Fig. 9. Correlation diagram of GPR data with Graunlometric Parameters.

The sorting shows that upto 85 cm the sediments are moderately well sorted. Well-sorted
sediments are seen occupying from 85 to 110 cm depth. These characters are well represented in the
GPR data (Fig 8b and e). Mostly, all heavy mineral layers shows Leptokurtic character and mostly,
white sand layers displays Mesokurtic signatures (Fig 8c and e). Appreciable correlation has been
noticed upto 95 cm and after that the saturation zone made difficult for further interpretation.
Skewness types also represent fair correlation upto 95 cm (Fig 8d and e). The overall observation
indicates that the sorting could be well correlated and kurtosis and skewness could have correlation
upto saturation zone.

CONCLUSION
Nagoor beach has been scanned along a selected transect using GPR system with 200 Mhz
and 400 Mhz antennas. The 60 m long GPR transect provide an appreciable sub-surface data.
The dipping characters seen towards seaside in the GPR data indicates marine influenced
deposition. Several GPR profiling along a trail pit reserves good correlation with the visual
pit details. Heavy mineral layers could be traced all along the GPR profiles and white sand
layers made easy tracing in the data. After 1.0 m indicates saturated zone or erosional surface
over which tsunami deposits rest upon. Granulometric details have fairly appreciable
correlation especially upto saturated zone. This preliminary study needs to be strengthen with
more detailed surveys and interpretation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The entire work has been carried out under the CSIR Network Project on Coastal Placer
Mining (CMM023). The authors are thankful to the Director, CMRI for permission to publish
this paper. Field and laboratory assistance by Mislankar and Louis of National Institute of
Oceanography, Goa; A.Sangode and V.Chandramouli of Central Mining Research Institute,
Dhanbad; Chandrasekar of SASTRA University, Thanjavur are gratefully acknowledged. The
views expressed in this paper are of the authors and not necessarily of the institutes they
belong.

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