<title>Investigating the internal structure of holocene coastal sand dunes using ground-penetrating radar: example from the north coast of Northern Ireland</title>

Abstract

NORTH COAST OF NORTHERN IRELAND The paper reports preliminary findings of groundpenetrating radar investigations into the internal structure of Holocene coastal dunes and the association of subsurface sediment properties, determined from borehole samples, to reflected images. The area of investigation is on the north coast of Northern Ireland and the coastal dunes are confined systems of mid-to-late Holocene age (<6000 years BP).The major influence on subsurface reflections is moisture and organic content; compaction of sediment is another important factor, albeit difficult to quantify. Dipping reflectors and deflated sections are attributed to former dune ridges.The study highlights the need for other investigative techniques to be used in conjunction with groundpenetrating radar for a more coherent picture of dune internal structure.