Site-investigation in semi-arid and arid regions for reconnaissance and engineering-geological purposes

Abstract

Electro-magnetic investigation techniques have been successfully used in assessing soil/rock interfaces for pipeline construction in Saudi Arabia and Argentina. Next to refraction-seismics the penetrating Georadar could provide excellent data on the lateral continuation of rockhead, saline groundwater level and sometimes soil/soil discontinuities. With the detection of North African palaeodrainage systems some years ago from space using the SIR A/B (Shuttle Imaging Radar) it was thought that a major break-through was achieved in non destructive profiling from space. Yet there are still some obstacles to be "removed' before this becomes reality. Some of these obstacles are mentioned in this article with emphasis on radar techniques, both spatial and terrestrial. -Author