Ground Penetrating Radar investigation of limestone karst objects in the Botanical Garden in Kielce

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most effective and rapid types of geophysical surveys methods. Constantly growing number of implementation positions GPR in the centre of attention of archaeologists, geologists, geographers and architects.  It is particularly important in situations where the location of karst structures can have a direct impact on the safety of people and buildings. The present study has been carried out in the Botanical Garden in Kielce which is currently undergoing second stage infrastructure development. This object is located in the Świetokrzyskie Region characterized by large scale deformations development of karst origin. Those structures threaten existing buildings and can be obstacles when new are constructed. Radargrams presented in this paper shows significant potential of GPR method in mapping of karst phenomena. Proper acquisition parameters and optimal processing of raw data resulted in clear image of structure of rock mass under the Botanical Garden along acquired profiles lines. Additionally, precise GPS coordinate link and established researchers experience with conducting this type of survey helped in the process of mapping anomalies in limestone. Under these conditions the survey minimized the lack of a second method and resulted in high quality data acquisition. Study provided information about underlying rock mass structure development, registered anomalies which source are voids or caves of the karst genesis. Area studied covers a large part of the Botanical Garden. Described anomalies can be dynamic in origin.