Integrating ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity data to delineate groundwater contamination

Characterization of subsurface hazardous materials has become an extremely important application of geophysical and geotechnical techniques. The objectives of subsurface investigations at sites containing hazardous materials include (a) the location of buried materials, (b) the determination of the presence of contaminant plumes and their source(s) and geometry, and (c) the assessment of associated hydrogeologic conditions. The purpose for locating buried hazardous materials is typically for some kind of remedial action, usually involving excavation and safe disposal of the materials with minimal damage to the environment.