Investigation of the Bed Sediments Using a Suitable Processing Algorithm in GPR Method: A Case Study

Tar Lake has been created as a result of occurrence an extensive landslide in its southern heights. Hence, study of the bed sediments of the lake can be very useful in the age estimation of the landslide and possible earthquake that have caused the formation of the lake. In this study, the bed sediments of the lake have been investigated using a suitable processing algorithm in GPR method. The fine grain and young bed sediments of the lake have caused weak responses in the GPR sections due to the water saturation and slight compactness of these sediments. The processing algorithm, presented in this paper, consists of several filters and corrections that can be applied on the GPR data to enhance the detectability of the GPR responses. Using the processing algorithm, we have been able to detect and recognize the GPR weak responses of these sediments in the presence of high level of systematic noise and existing limitations. Also, from the processed GPR sections, we can recognize very well the sequence of sedimentation in the bed areas where considerable sediment load inter the lake. Furthermore, the coarse grain sediments can be distinguished from the fine grain sediments in the GPR sections.