Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the integration of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) techniques for subsurface imaging applications. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of combining these geophysical methods to enhance subsurface imaging capabilities and provide valuable insights into the geological structures and properties of the subsurface. The integration of GPR and ERT offers a comprehensive approach to subsurface investigations by utilizing the complementary strengths of each method to overcome their individual limitations. The research begins with a comprehensive literature review that examines the principles, applications, and limitations of GPR and ERT techniques in subsurface imaging. This review forms the basis for establishing the theoretical framework for the integration of GPR and ERT and highlights the potential benefits of combining these methods for enhanced subsurface characterization. The methodology chapter outlines the research design and data collection procedures for conducting the integrated GPR and ERT surveys. The study includes field experiments conducted in selected test sites to acquire geophysical data that are processed and analyzed using advanced data processing techniques and inversion algorithms. The integration of GPR and ERT data sets allows for the generation of high-resolution subsurface images that provide detailed information about the geological structures and properties of the subsurface. The findings chapter presents the results of the integrated GPR and ERT surveys and discusses the interpretation of the subsurface imaging data. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining GPR and ERT techniques in enhancing subsurface imaging capabilities and improving the resolution and accuracy of subsurface models. The integrated approach offers valuable insights into the subsurface geology, including the detection of buried objects, mapping of geological interfaces, and characterization of subsurface materials. The discussion chapter critically analyzes the findings and discusses the implications of the integrated GPR and ERT approach for subsurface imaging applications. The study highlights the advantages of combining GPR and ERT techniques, such as improved resolution, depth penetration, and spatial coverage, compared to using either method individually. The discussion also addresses the challenges and limitations of the integrated approach and proposes recommendations for future research and development in the field of geophysics. In conclusion, the thesis summarizes the key findings and contributions of the study and emphasizes the significance of integrating GPR and ERT techniques for subsurface imaging applications. The research demonstrates the potential of the integrated approach to provide valuable information for various geotechnical, environmental, and archaeological investigations. Overall, the study contributes to advancing the field of geophysics by showcasing the benefits of combining complementary geophysical methods for enhanced subsurface imaging and exploration.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Integration of Ground-Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Subsurface Imaging" focuses on the combined use of two geophysical techniques, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), to enhance subsurface imaging. Both GPR and ERT are widely utilized in geophysics for subsurface investigation, each with its strengths and limitations. By integrating these two methods, this research aims to capitalize on their complementary nature to provide a more comprehensive and accurate subsurface imaging solution. Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive geophysical technique that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It is particularly effective in detecting variations in subsurface materials such as soil, rock, and man-made structures. However, GPR is limited in its depth penetration and resolution capabilities, especially in complex geological settings. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), on the other hand, is based on the measurement of electrical resistivity in the subsurface. It is effective in delineating variations in subsurface properties such as moisture content, clay layers, and fractures. ERT can provide valuable information on the distribution of geological features but may suffer from limited lateral resolution in certain conditions. By integrating GPR and ERT, this research seeks to overcome the individual limitations of each method and capitalize on their strengths. The combined use of GPR and ERT can provide a more detailed and accurate subsurface imaging solution by offering complementary information on subsurface structures, geological features, and environmental conditions. This integrated approach can enhance the understanding of subsurface environments for various applications, including environmental assessments, engineering projects, and archaeological investigations. The research overview emphasizes the significance of integrating GPR and ERT for subsurface imaging and highlights the potential benefits of this approach in improving the efficiency and accuracy of subsurface investigations. By conducting a comparative analysis of GPR and ERT data, this research aims to demonstrate the synergies between the two methods and showcase the added value of their integration in subsurface imaging. Through field experimentation, data processing, and interpretation, this project will contribute to advancing the field of geophysics and enhancing the capabilities of subsurface imaging techniques. In conclusion, the project "Integration of Ground-Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Subsurface Imaging" aims to explore the synergies between GPR and ERT, demonstrate their combined application for subsurface imaging, and provide valuable insights into the integration of geophysical techniques for enhanced subsurface investigations.