Dielectric constant determination using bistatic ground-penetrating radar: a case study at the Colombaia marine archeological area, Trapani, Italy

The ground penetrating radar geophysical method is a rapid, high-resolution tool for non-invasive investigation. Ground penetrating radar records microwave radiation that passes through the ground and is returned to the surface. The radar waves propagate at velocities that are dependent upon the dielectric constant of the subsurface. Higher frequency sources will offer greater vertical resolution of structure but will not penetrate as deep as lower frequency sources. A method to determine ground-penetrating radar GPR velocities consist of determines the relative dielectric constant ratio at interface boundaries where the radar wave is traveling from a low-velocity to a high-velocity medium. Using Bistatic configuration and picking of the first arrivals we can determine the radar wave velocity in the medium. Our case study at the Colombaia marine archeological area demonstrated good repeatability and correspondence with subsoil material.