Determination of unstable tectonic zones in C–North deposit, Sangan, NE Iran using GPR method: importance of structural geology

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an effective and practical geophysical imaging tool with a wide set of applications in the geological mapping of sub-surface information. This research work aims at the determination of the geophysical parameter differences in the sub-surface geological structures and construction of a 3D fracture model. The GPR and resistivity methods are applied to detect the unstable tectonic zones in the C-North deposit. The structural geology investigations are first surveyed to detect the faults and fractures in the studied area. Based on the structural features, the survey is conducted over an area of 1 km2 with a total of 30 profiles for detection of low-resistivity zones in the C-North deposit, which is of great help in reducing their impacts in slope stability studies. The GPR sections are then obtained from low- and high-frequency antennas (10 and 50 MHz) to detect the fractures and water content zones. The results obtained demonstrate that the major structural trends in the studied area are W–E, NE–SW, and NW-SE, while the fault zones can create pathways for groundwater inflow into the deposit in the future. The information obtained from the geological and GPR studies are also integrated with the drill hole data. The geological information from the structures are in good agreement with the actual geological situation. The method and results of this work could be useful in solving the problems related to the sub-surface structures in mining engineering.