Characterization of volcanic structures using ground penetrating radar and additional inverse modelling: Multidisciplinary geophysical investigation in the Timanfaya National Park (Spain)

A ground penetrating radar survey is presented over a recent lava flow at the volcanic area of Timanfaya National Park (Canary Island, Spain). The purpose was to locate lava tubes into the lava flow through the combination of field and simulated data. Different modelling strategies were used for the analysis and knowledge of the signal behaviour. Finite-difference time-domain algorithm was considered for simulations, and the pattern of reflections generated from previously known volcanic structures were characterized. After the characterization of the radar-wave response, the interpretation achieved was applied over the field data acquired at other non-studied area in which different lava tubes were recognized.