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USGS · 70019519

Use of high-resolution ground-penetrating radar in kimberlite delineation

J.M. Kruger·A. Martinez·P. Berendsen
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Abstract

High-resolution ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was used to image the near-surface extent of two exposed Late Cretaceous kimberlites intruded into lower Permian limestone and dolomite host rocks in northeast Kansas. Six parallel GPR profiles identify the margin of the Randolph 1 kimberlite by the up-bending and termination of limestone reflectors. Five radially-intersecting GPR profiles identify the elliptical margin of the Randolph 2 kimberlite by the termination of dolomite reflectors near or below the kimberlite's mushroom-shaped cap. These results suggest GPR may augment magnetic methods for the delineation of kimberlites or other forceful intrusions in a layered host rock where thick, conductive soil or shale is not present at the surface.

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J.M. Kruger, A. Martinez, P. Berendsen. 1997. Use of high-resolution ground-penetrating radar in kimberlite delineation. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70019519

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