Mapping the internal structure of sand dunes in the Jafurah Sand Sea of Eastern Saudi Arabia using Ground Penetrating Radar

Abstract

Three-Dimensional Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys were conducted in two locations to map the internal structure of sand dunes in eastern Saudi Arabia. The 400 MHz antenna that was used achieved a 4 m to 6 m penetration depth. The excellent spatial resolution of about 8 cm made it possible to identify the major internal features, such as cross-stratification and bounding surfaces. The recorded radargrams proved useful in understanding the dune's growth and migration in this area. Results suggest that GPR is an important tool in any study of recent sand dunes as analogues of hydrocarbon sandstone reservoirs of aeolian origin. Laboratory analyses showed the presence of elevated amounts of iron-oxide bearing minerals in some dark layers of the sand in the study area. These changes in iron content might be the reason behind the strong electromagnetic impedance contrasts that ultimately generate reflections on the GPR images.