Acquisition of High Resolution Ground Penetrating Radar for Volcanological, Hydrogeological, and Very Near Surface Investigations

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This grant supports acquisition of a custom-modified ground penetrating radar (GPR) system equipped with a laser positioning system and multiple antennas (at frequencies of 100, 250 and 500 MHz) by the University of South Florida. The system will be built by Dr. Mark Grasmueck at the University of Miami - RSMAS based on a prototype design previously funded (EAR-0323213). The system will include a commercially available MALA Geosciences RAMAC GPR system and shielded antennas, a rotary laser positioning system, which allows for cm accuracy positioning of antennas that can be rapidly (relative to standard GPR gridding techniques) relocated during deployments, and software to fuse the GPR and laser positioning time series data. The GPR system will allow for rapid 3-D high resolution, georeferenced and time series (4-D) imaging of the near subsurface. PI studies of the stratigraphic relationships within tephra deposits from near vent to distal regions will help to improve models of tephra dispersal and eruption mechanisms. Studies of the role of sinkholes in carbonate aquifer fluid migration have ramifications for mitigating geohazards and for water resources management. The PIs will develop a new graduate course in the geosciences to expose students to GPR applications and data analysis. Courses in archeology and forensic anthropology will also utilize the GPR system.