Insights into the depositional processes of a valley fill complex in Namibia using Ground Penetrating Radar

Abstract

In this study, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used to investigate subsurface structures within a valley fill complex in the Huab River, Namibia. This aims to aid the interpretation of the palaeoenvironmental archive of past fluvial activity. GPR transects were conducted at six locations, covering a total distance of 350m. By using a higher frequency and higher antenna than in existing literature, we increased the resolution of the data obtained. This study has provided data to suggest that the valley fill is at least 7m deep, and that the depth of sedimentary boundaries varies across space. Using this data, it can be suggested that by drilling deeper, it would be possible to produce a longer record of palaeoenvironmental change from this system, and that because preservation of depositional units likely varies over space, samples need to be collected from multiple sites across the fill.