Ground Penetrating Radar investigation of limestone karst objects in the Botanical Garden in Kielce

Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most effective and rapid types of geophysical survey methods. The present study was carried out in the Botanical Garden in Kielce, which is currently undergoing a second stage of infrastructure development. This object is located in the Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross) Region, characterized by large scale deformations in the development of karst origins. Those structures threaten existing buildings and can be obstacles to newly constructed ones. Radargrams presented in this paper show significant potential of the GPR method in mapping of karst phenomena. Proper acquisition parameters and optimal processing of raw data resulted in a clear image of the structure of rock mass under the Botanical Garden, along acquired profile lines. Additionally, precise GPS coordinate links and established researchers’ experience of conducting this type of surveys helped in the process of mapping the anomalies in the limestone. Under these conditions, the survey minimized the need for a second method and resulted in high quality data acquisition. The study provided information about underlying rock mass structure development and registered anomalies whose origins include voids or caves of karst genesis. The area studied covers a large part of the Botanical Garden. Described anomalies can be dynamic in origin.