10.57647/j.ijes.2025.16972

Comprehensive Examination of Gypsum Deposits and Identification of Karstic Cavities Utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar in the Bala Region (Ankara-Türkiye)

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  • Cihan Yalcin*1,
  1. SRG Engineering and Consultancy Ltd Sti, Aydın, Türkiye

Received: 2024-09-25

Revised: 2024-11-01

Accepted: 2024-11-06

Published in Issue 2026-03-31

Published Online: 2025-06-25

Copyright (c) -1 Cihan Yalcin (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Yalcin, C. (2026). Comprehensive Examination of Gypsum Deposits and Identification of Karstic Cavities Utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar in the Bala Region (Ankara-Türkiye). Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.57647/j.ijes.2025.16972
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Abstract

This research used the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to elucidate the geological and structural attributes of gypsum deposits in the Bala area of Ankara. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a prevalent method for high-resolution imaging of subsurface formations, identifying discrepancies in electrical characteristics attributable to lithology and groundwater concentration. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) measurements were conducted along 19 profiles inside the research region, and the underlying structures in these profiles were meticulously studied. The collected data were analysed to delineate the thickness and distribution of gypsum deposits and their effects on groundwater. Regions with elevated resistivity indicates gypsum formations, while regions of reduced resistivity correspond to clay strata and water-saturated sediments. Specifically, karst cavities were absent in the majority of the profiles, suggesting that the gypsum deposits in the region exhibit resistance to karstification. Furthermore, it was determined that the gypsum resources are commercially viable and appropriate for extraction. This study pointed out that Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a proficient method for delineating gypsum deposits in intricate evaporitic settings, with maximal deposit thicknesses of up to 10 meters in certain profiles and an absence of substantial karstic cavities, hence enhancing operating safety.

Keywords

  • Georadar,
  • Gypsum deposits,
  • Karstic cavities,
  • Resistivity,
  • Bala-Ankara
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