Application of gpr to mapping shallow layered coal at
1. APPLICATION OF GPR TO MAPPING SHALLOW LAYERED COAL AT
AIR LAYA MINING FIELD, TANJUNG ENIM, SOUTH SUMATERA,
INDONESIA
by:
Eddy Ibrahim*
Abstract
Ground penetrating radar has been successfully mapping layered coal in a variety of geologic setting.
Increased dynamic range of recording equipment and decreased cost of processing hardware and
software have made ground penetrating radar a cost-effective means of imaging shallow geologic
targets. Radar data possess sufficient resolution in many areas to detect faulting with displacement of
less than 3 m and thickness layered coal as 3 m. We have detected reflection from depth as shallow as
2.5 m. Subsurface voids associated with abandoned layered coal at depth of less than 40 m can be
detected and mapped. Ground penetrating radar has been successful in mapping layered coal with
overburden of coal. A faulting detected and traced by ground penetrating radar was shown to be a
preferential pathway for pattern from radargram. As shown by these case histories, high resolution
radar has the potential to significantly enhance the economics and efficiency of preventing and / or
solving many coal exploration problems.
Keywords: Mapping, shallow layered coal, high resolution radar, radargram
*
Research Division of Mining Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University Sriwijaya,
, South Sumatera, Indonesia
