The full form of GPR is Ground-Penetrating Radar.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non-destructive technique uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band (usually from 10 MHz to 2.6 GHz) of the radio spectrum, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures.
GPR can be used in a variety of media, including rock, soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures. It can detect objects, changes in material, voids and cracks.
Here's a breakdown:
- Ground: Referring to the Earth's surface and the subsurface materials.
- Penetrating: Indicating the ability of the radar waves to travel through these materials.
- Radar: An acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging, using radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance.
In essence, GPR works by transmitting electromagnetic waves into the ground and analyzing the reflections from subsurface interfaces. The strength and travel time of these reflections provide information about the depth, size, and composition of buried objects or features. The technology is valuable in diverse fields such as archaeology, geology, civil engineering, and environmental science.
