Near-Surface Imaging (GPR) of Biogenic Structures in Siliciclastic, Carbonate, and Gypsum Dunes

Abstract

High-resolution geophysical methods, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imaging, are increasingly applied to ichnological research. Large vertebrate and invertebrate burrows and tracks can be detected and resolved using center frequencies of > 400 MHz. Geophysical images of bioturbation structures in siliciclastic, carbonate, and evaporite (gypsum) dunes exhibit characteristic electromagnetic signal returns, which are associated with active burrow openings (ground-wave gap), filled burrows (hyperbolic diffraction and ``pull up{''}), and large tracks (concave up patterns). The noninvasive imaging can be used for pseudo-3D visualization (closely spaced survey lines) and monitoring of biogenic activity (repeated surveys). Because biogenic structures induce distinct anomalies in geophysical records collected at frequencies typical of many geological investigations, caution must be taken to avoid misinterpreting them as primary sedimentary structures.