Fluvial architecture of Vistula River deposits in Nature Reserve Świderskie Islands (Warsaw area, central Poland) based on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) images

Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) investigations were conducted in order to characterize the reflection patterns and internal architecture of Vistula River point bars. The study area is situated in the south part of Warsaw (Central Poland), in the Nature Reserve Swiderskie Islands, where fluvial deposits were well accessible due to an unusually low water level in the Vistula River. Ground Penetrating Radar is a non-invasive tool that facilitates easy and quick investigations of subsurface sediments. The study was based on 7 GPR profiles taken on the largest and most accessible point bar. All profiles were collected using ProEx Malâ GPR system with 250 MHz shielded antenna. In this paper characteristic Ground Penetrating Radar profiles are presented, to show the internal architecture of fluvial deposits. Interpretation of selected GPR profiles showed the presence of erosional surfaces and cut-in channels within the investigated point bar.