Sylwia Tomecka-Suchoń

Neural Networks As A Tool For Georadar Data Processing

Abstract In this article a new neural network based method for automatic classification of ground penetrating radar (GPR) traces is proposed. The presented approach is based on a new representation of GPR signals by polynomials approximation. The coefficients of the polynomial (the feature vector) are neural network inputs for automatic classification of a special kind of geologic structure—a sinkhole. The analysis and results show that the classifier can effectively distinguish sinkholes from other geologic structures.

Aiding of the GPR method by other measurement techniques for liquid contamination detection

In the paper the selected results of measurements carried out for detection of two types of liquid contamination are presented. The authors made detection of contamination, which very often leaks to the ground, i.e. the low-conductivity hydrocarbon contamination and the high-conductivity chemical solution. Depending of the site and the type of contamination different measurement techniques were used: the GPR, the atmogeochemical measurement, the laboratory analysis, the resistivity imaging survey and the conductometry. A brief discussion about possibilities of liquid contamination detection using electrical and electromagnetic techniques is presented in the paper.

Application of Neural Network Enhanced Ground-Penetrating Radar to Localization of Burial Sites

Abstract The problem of searching for burial sites is an important issue for criminology, history, and archeology. The presently employed classical ground-penetrating radar (GPR) methods often yield equivocal results. Here, we report the results of our experimental study on the possible enhancement of the GPR methodology by introduction of the neural network to help localize the places of deposition of cadavers. The experiments, employing pig bodies as a model, yielded very promising results, but also indicated the problems that must be taken into account in further development of the methodology. Such problems include the influence of several circumstances on GPR signal and its computer-aided interpretation. Particularly important are: 1) the progressive decomposition of the body; 2) the dressing on the body—none, summer or winter garment, or wrapped in shroud or plastic foil; and 3) the size of the body. Based on the positive results of the preliminary survey the problems will be investigated using the prepared beforehand area with four burial sites and developed method for neural networks.

Application of electrical and electromagnetic methods to study sedimentary covers in high mountain areas

The results of geophysical studies conducted with selected electrical and electromagnetic methods in the Kondratowa Valley in the Tatra Mountains (the Carpathian Mountains, Poland) are presented in the article. The surveys were performed with the following methods: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), georadar (GPR) and conductivity meter (CM). The objective of the noninvasive geophysical measurements was to determine the thickness of the Quaternary postglacial sediments that fill the bottom of the valley and to designate the accumulation of boulders deposited on Quaternary sediments. The results of ERT surveys conducted along the axis of the valley allowed to determine the changeability of the thickness of the postglacial sediments and allowed to designate a few areas of occurrence of boulders. The ERT, GPR and CM surveys conducted across the valley allowed to designate with high accuracy the thickness of the accumulation of boulders sliding down the valley bottom from the couloirs surrounding the valley.

Georadar Studies on St. Benedict's Church on Lasota Hill, Kraków, Poland

Georadar methodology has a considerable potential as a tool for verification of archeological hypotheses. I applied it in the present study to resolve a discussion on the importance of a Proto-Romanesque structure located on Lasota Hill. It is one of the oldest structures on the right bank of Vistula River in Kraków in Poland and some archeologists believe that it was the first seat of the rulers of Lesser Poland in the 9th century. After few decades, the prince’s castle was built on Wawel Hill, where subsequently the royal castle was constructed. On the place of the abandoned Proto-Romanesque edifice, a small St. Benedict’s Church was raised, but the importance of its predecessor was discussed. Archeological excavations suggested that it served as the prince’s residence, but this view would be much strengthened if traces of a prince’s building — palatium — could be found. With this in mind, I undertook a search for traces of palatium, employing georadar methodology. I carried out the measurements using Georadar PROEX produced by MALA Geoscience with a set of shielded antennas of frequencies 500 and 800 MHz. They permitted to construct echogram profiles, whose interpretation suggested the existence of palatium. Thus, the georadar data supported the archeological hypothesis about the important role of the Proto-Romanesque structures on Lasota Hill in the early medieval era in Poland, and at the same time demonstrated the usefulness of introducing geophysical methods to archaeology.