BGR Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe

Airborne radar

Exploring underground structures using airborne ground penetrating radar

BGR airborne radar system at work in the AntarcticBGR airborne radar system at work in the Antarctic Source: BGR

The use of radar systems for the exploration of underground structures has been a standard method in geophysics for more than 30 years and is known as GPR (ground penetrating radar), RES (radio echo sounding) or EMR (electromagnetic reflection method).

In the beginning, the principle of pulse radar was pursued. The application of suitable pulse radar measuring systems was then limited to ice thickness measurements of polar glaciers, as cold glacier ice offers ideal conditions for a maximum penetration depth of electromagnetic waves. Especially in areas difficult to access, like the widely ice-covered Antarctic, measurements by helicopter or aeroplane are the only means to define the thickness of Antarctic glaciers. Here, the better manoeuverability of the helicopter even in narrow areas, allows much more detailed measurements than the aeroplane. The aeroplane, on the other hand, allows to survey greater areas.

Another principle of airborne radar further developed for helicopter surveys is the Stepped Frequency Technique. This technology has the advantage, that it allows a better resolution of structures in the underground by an optimized adaptation of the frequency bandwidth. For this reason, this method is especially suitable for geological applications. The development is promoted in cooperation with the company RST group.

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Airborne radar associates Function, tasks Sub-Department

Telefon Direct access

0511-643-

E-Mail contact
Dr. Christina SalatStepped Frequency TechniqueB3.1-2807Christina.Salat@bgr.de
Igor OzerMeasuring techniquesB3.1-2800Igor.Ozer@bgr.de
Dr. Volker GundelachInterpretationB3.1-3844Volker.Gundelach@bgr.de
Ulrich BuschmannSoftwareB3.1-2875Ulrich.Buschmann@bgr.de
Andreas KellnerMeasuring techniquesB3.1-3523Andreas.Kellner@bgr.de


Contact

    
Dr. Christina Salat
Phone: +49-(0)511-643-2807

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