GPR measurements in drifts at the northern part of the Morsleben salt structure

The Allertal salt structure, used as repository for nuclear waste, was explored from the surface by seismic measurements and boreholes. Due to the accuracy of these investigations the position of the steep flank in the west of the salt structure is known. Underground, GPR (Ground penetrating radar) is an efficient and precise nondestructive tool for the exploration of salt deposits. The complex geological structures (bent, folded, sometimes faulted layering of salt, potassium, clay, and anhydrite) in low-conductive salt can be mapped if distance and direction of reflecting objects are known. Drifts parallel to the flank in the northern part of the salt structure allow getting this structural information by GPR. With these results and some geological knowledge a three dimensional model of the flank and other salt structures can be created.