Acquisition of a Ground Penetrating Radar

University Of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz CA

Investigators

Abstract

0132244 Tulaczyk This grant provides partial support for acquisition of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The GPR setup will include five antennas spanning frequencies from 12.5 MHz through 400 MHz. The GPR equipment will be utilized by: (1) the UCSC Surface Processes Group (glaciology, geomorphology, hydrology and Quaternary geology; ~60% of time), (2) other UCSC Earth Science faculty (geophysics, hydrogeology, and neotectonics; ~30% of time), and (3) other UCSC and non-UCSC users (~10% of time). GPR technology fits ideally into the Earth Science research programs listed above because it permits better integration of surface and near-surface observations of geologic structures and stratigraphy. This GPR capability combines with its portability and ease of use to provide an excellent tool for constraining models of key surface and near-surface geologic processes even in logistically difficult environments. In addition to its application in research projects, the UCSC GPR facility will be used to intensify hands-on training of UCSC undergraduate and graduate students in field geophysical techniques. Use of this new equipment will be incorporated into relevant upper division courses: Geologic Hazards, Environmental Geophysics, Geomorphology, Soil Properties and Mechanics, and Groundwater. The host department will provide support for the new GPR facility in the form of: (1) 30% equipment cost match, (2) computer and software resources for GPR data field processing and post-processing, (3) technical support by a team of three specialists, and (4) storage space. ***