Stepped-Frequency Radar System in Gating Mode: An Experiment as a New Helicopter-Borne GPR System for Geological Applications

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has become a useful tool in solving different geophysical tasks in environmental geology, glaciology, archaeology, mineral exploration and the detection of near-surface objects. The large variety of handheld GPR devices, even for harsh field conditions, is an effective tool for surveying small areas. A GPR system installed in a helicopter is an effective method to survey large areas with high data density. Large areas, even in inaccessible regions, may be surveyed within a short time and even under limited logistic demands. The high agility of a helicopter allows increasing the data density in areas of special interest. Using ground penetration radar for geological applications, fine resolution of near-surface structures is necessary. Stepped-frequency radar technology offers an attractive alternative to the classical pulse radar systems with opera-tional advantages for airborne applications such as, for instance, reduced interference with other on-board systems.