Application of ground penetrating radar to active faults along Yushu strike-slip faults zone, Qinghai, China

Abstract

In the paper, high resolution ground penetrating radar (GPR) is carried out to locate the trenching site and to delineate the shallow geological structures in the vicinity of the Yushu active strike-up fault zone. After the application of an appropriate processing flow, the interpreted GPR profile can not only clearly determine the deformational zone, but may also image the spatial distribution of fault strands and the geometry of the subsurface. At last, the trench is excavated and shows a good spatial correction with the GPR profile. This study presents that GPR is an effective technique in determining suitable locations for trenching studies, the radargrams can assist in the study of active faults by providing the images of the subsurface and geometry of the subsurface in the vicinity of the fault zone. It also provides useful data for palaeoseismic studies in Yushu area.