Shrubs, encompassing important ecosystem engineers in dryland environments, have experienced mass... more Shrubs, encompassing important ecosystem engineers in dryland environments, have experienced mass mortality due to long-term droughts across the northwestern Israeli Negev. This massive die-back, which has particularly affected the predominant shrub species Noaea mucronata, predominates edaphically homogeneous (low geodiversity) hillslopes, and is minor in edaphically heterogeneous (high geodiversity) hillslopes. While the homogeneous hillslopes encompass a thick and non-stony soil layer, the heterogeneous hillslopes are composed of a thin, stony layer that overlies weathered, chalky bedrock. The objective of this geophysical study was to assess the subsurface and bedrock characteristics, and its effect on shrub durability vs mass mortality in a dryland ecosystem. A combination of 2D and 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) imaging and Frequency Domain Electromagnetics (FDEM) was applied. For the GPR procedure, the 2D and 3D reflection imaging was dominated by different dielectric perm...
Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop onAdvanced Ground Penetrating Radar, 2003.
Summary form only given. Ceiling can be made of a complete thick slab of concrete. When large ape... more Summary form only given. Ceiling can be made of a complete thick slab of concrete. When large apertures are needed, it can be constructed from separate concrete strips (beams) with a complete thin layer of concrete on top, creating a "T" profile. During the seventies, Israeli builders have started to build beams ceilings using thin wavy iron boxes with a
ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2016
Soil subsurface moisture content, especially in the root zone, is important for evaluation the in... more Soil subsurface moisture content, especially in the root zone, is important for evaluation the influence of soil moisture to agricultural crops. Conservative monitoring by point-measurement methods is time-consuming and expensive. In this paper we represent an active remote-sensing tool for subsurface spatial imaging and analysis of electromagnetic physical properties, mostly water content, by ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection. Combined with laboratory methods, this technique enables real-time and highly accurate evaluations of soils' physical qualities in the field. To calculate subsurface moisture content, a model based on the soil texture, porosity, saturation, organic matter and effective electrical conductivity is required. We developed an innovative method that make it possible measures spatial subsurface moisture content up to a depth of 1.5 m in agricultural soils and applied it to two different unsaturated soil types from agricultural fields in Israel: loess soi...
First International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2013), 2013
ABSTRACT The Dead Sea coastal area is exposed to the destructive process of sinkhole collapse. Th... more ABSTRACT The Dead Sea coastal area is exposed to the destructive process of sinkhole collapse. The increase in sinkhole activity in the last two decades has been substantial, resulting from the continuous decrease in the Dead Sea's level, with more than 1,000 sinkholes developing as a result of upper layer collapse. Large sinkholes can reach 25 m in diameter. They are concentrated mainly in clusters in several dozens of sites with different characteristics. In this research, methods for mapping, monitoring and predicting sinkholes were developed using active and passive remote-sensing methods: field spectrometer, geophysical ground penetration radar (GPR) and a frequency domain electromagnetic instrument (FDEM). The research was conducted in three stages: 1) literature review and data collection; 2) mapping regions abundant with sinkholes in various stages and regions vulnerable to sinkholes; 3) analyzing the data and translating it into cognitive and accessible scientific information. Field spectrometry enabled a comparison between the spectral signatures of soil samples collected near active or progressing sinkholes, and those collected in regions with no visual sign of sinkhole occurrence. FDEM and GPR investigations showed that electrical conductivity and soil moisture are higher in regions affected by sinkholes. Measurements taken at different time points over several seasons allowed monitoring the progress of an 'embryonic' sinkhole.
<p>As sea levels rose since the end of Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ancient coastal c... more <p>As sea levels rose since the end of Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ancient coastal communities were often forced to abandon their settlements and move inland. Today, many of these abandoned sites are covered by sand or lay in shallow water. Examining these can shed light on past coastal communities as well as settlement patterns in ancient times. Archaeological excavation along the coast is particularly tricky and often sporadic in nature. Thus, high‐resolution shallow geophysical methods, which have become a standard in archaeological studies since they provide a noninvasive way of imaging the subsurface before an excavation, would seem like a perfect solution. However, most methods are limited in their ability to work near the shoreline – the transitional zone between classical land-based methods and standard marine ones. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), for example, is greatly affected by moisture and salinity and is therefore limited in its ability to work in areas saturated with seawater. Seismic reflection is time consuming to overcome issues of poor vertical and spatial resolution and sensitive to urban noise, while magnetics would provide poor results for sand covered sandstone. Other techniques, such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) have been shown to work in coastal areas and in shallow water. However, this method can be slow, as it involves setting up complex arrays for each cross section measured. This study will present the frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) method, which has the potential to overcome these problems and can bridge the gap in knowledge by measuring in the nearshore environment. The ease of use and quick scanning capability means that large areas can be covered in a relatively short time. There are no electrodes or loops to set up. Since it measures swaths, results are obtained in map-view and not cross-section, with little interpolation. Different frequencies penetrate to different depths (lower frequencies corresponding to deeper penetration). Therefore, the result is a series of frequency maps corresponding to the integration of all subsurface data in a specific sampled volume (i.e. down to the frequency-related depths), providing important information on shallow subsurface properties. The use of multiple frequencies allows for the resolving of internal structures within the depth range. Overall, the FDEM method has proven to be a valuable tool for studying coastal archaeology, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in the field in the coming years. Its ability to detect buried objects and structures and to study the geomorphology of submerged landscapes makes it an essential tool for researchers working in this field.</p>
Geology usually deals with rocks formed long ago, which are static and stable over the span of hu... more Geology usually deals with rocks formed long ago, which are static and stable over the span of human lifetime. This study aims to analyze anthropogenic influence on the formation of geological features in the southeastern Mediterranean. Tel Dor, along Israel’s northern coast, was chosen due to the continuous presence of humans in the area for over 4000 years and the protective environment of its natural bays that preserve geomorphological changes. This allows for the examination of whether and how humans affect their (geological) environment. Three rocky platforms were chosen in the shallow waters of the South Bay adjacent to the Tel, and four cores were extracted. Results show the extent of the direct and indirect anthropological influences on the landscape. The presence of building stones consisting of dolomite, which is not found along the Carmel coast, is an example of direct influence (importation). The evolution of a biological and non-biological reef upon the sturdy base of t...
CITY OF DAVID - STUDIES OF ANCIENT JERUSALEMT | The 22nd Conference | Editor: Eyal Meiron | Vol. 16, 2021
This article will present for the first time some of the results of unique research in which Grou... more This article will present for the first time some of the results of unique research in which Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used to produce scans and images of the stones of the Western Wall in the area of Robinson’s Arch. The imaging was done in the southern part of the Western Wall, from Mughrabi Gate ramp south as far as the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount enclosure. The length of the southern part of the wall is c. 63 m and the height of the walls mapped is between 17.30 and 28.90 m (Fig. 1). These data do not include the portions of wall excavated under the Herodian Street, where we took sample measurements.
This research highlighted the advantages of using GPR to collect and record detailed data from the stones of the southern portion Western Wall. It also showed how this method of mapping and investigation of archaeological monuments allows us to fairly easily obtain graphic data in two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images Perhaps useful for archaeological analysis.
Abstract The cities of Elat, Israel and neighboring Aqaba, Jordan are major economic, cultural, a... more Abstract The cities of Elat, Israel and neighboring Aqaba, Jordan are major economic, cultural, and seaport centers. They are located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba/Elat (GAE) directly on the Dead Sea Transform. Yet the precise location of the fault trace and its tectonic activity are lacking. The interpretation of seismic reflection profiles across the GAE beach and paleoseismic trench data located 2.2 km north of the shoreline provide evidence that the active offshore mapped Avrona Fault extends onland along the eastern side of the Elat Sabkha (mudflat), where three prominent fault strands crosscut the sedimentary fill. Mismatch of reflector geometry across the faults and flower structures indicate strike-slip faulting with a normal-slip component. Subsurface data from two trenching sites provide evidence for a minimum of two surface ruptures and two paleoliquefaction events. Faulting is constrained by radiocarbon dating for an Event 1 between 897 and 992 CE and Event 2 after 1294 CE. We suggest that the historically documented 1068 CE, and at least one later earthquake in 1458 or 1588 CE, ruptured the Elat Sabkha site. Based on fault mapping, we suggest a minimum value of M 6.6 for the 1068 CE earthquake. Whereas no surface rupture was observed for the 1212 CE historical earthquake, fluidized strata radiocarbon dated to before 1269–1389 CE identified as paleoliquefaction may be attributed to it. Two liquefaction sand-blows mapped in the trench likely formed after 1337 CE and before 1550 CE, which possibly occurred at the same time as in the second faulting event. Our data suggest that no large event occurred along the Avrona segment in the past ~430–550 years. Given a ~ 5 mm/yr slip rate, we conclude that a significant period of time passed since the last surface rupturing on the Avrona Fault, increasing its seismic potential.
In the Dead Sea region of Israel, sinkholes collapse can be observed easily due to the large numb... more In the Dead Sea region of Israel, sinkholes collapse can be observed easily due to the large number of sites. The continuous decrease in Dead Sea level over the last 30 years, caused a substantial increases the sinkhole activity (more than 3,000 sinkholes upper layer collapse). Sinkholes of up to 50 m diameter are found to be clustered in sites with variable characteristics. In this research, we have developed methods for prediction of sinkholes appearance by using mapping and monitoring methods based on active and passive remote-sensing means. These methods are based on measurements from several instruments including field spectrometry, geophysical ground-penetration radar (GPR) and a frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) instrument. Field spectrometry was used to compare the spectral signatures of soil samples collected near progressing sinkholes and those taken in regions with no visible occurrence of sinkholes. Active remote sensing showed higher electrical conductivity and so...
Shrubs, encompassing important ecosystem engineers in dryland environments, have experienced mass... more Shrubs, encompassing important ecosystem engineers in dryland environments, have experienced mass mortality due to long-term droughts across the northwestern Israeli Negev. This massive die-back, which has particularly affected the predominant shrub species Noaea mucronata, predominates edaphically homogeneous (low geodiversity) hillslopes, and is minor in edaphically heterogeneous (high geodiversity) hillslopes. While the homogeneous hillslopes encompass a thick and non-stony soil layer, the heterogeneous hillslopes are composed of a thin, stony layer that overlies weathered, chalky bedrock. The objective of this geophysical study was to assess the subsurface and bedrock characteristics, and its effect on shrub durability vs mass mortality in a dryland ecosystem. A combination of 2D and 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) imaging and Frequency Domain Electromagnetics (FDEM) was applied. For the GPR procedure, the 2D and 3D reflection imaging was dominated by different dielectric perm...
Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop onAdvanced Ground Penetrating Radar, 2003.
Summary form only given. Ceiling can be made of a complete thick slab of concrete. When large ape... more Summary form only given. Ceiling can be made of a complete thick slab of concrete. When large apertures are needed, it can be constructed from separate concrete strips (beams) with a complete thin layer of concrete on top, creating a "T" profile. During the seventies, Israeli builders have started to build beams ceilings using thin wavy iron boxes with a
ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2016
Soil subsurface moisture content, especially in the root zone, is important for evaluation the in... more Soil subsurface moisture content, especially in the root zone, is important for evaluation the influence of soil moisture to agricultural crops. Conservative monitoring by point-measurement methods is time-consuming and expensive. In this paper we represent an active remote-sensing tool for subsurface spatial imaging and analysis of electromagnetic physical properties, mostly water content, by ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection. Combined with laboratory methods, this technique enables real-time and highly accurate evaluations of soils' physical qualities in the field. To calculate subsurface moisture content, a model based on the soil texture, porosity, saturation, organic matter and effective electrical conductivity is required. We developed an innovative method that make it possible measures spatial subsurface moisture content up to a depth of 1.5 m in agricultural soils and applied it to two different unsaturated soil types from agricultural fields in Israel: loess soi...
First International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2013), 2013
ABSTRACT The Dead Sea coastal area is exposed to the destructive process of sinkhole collapse. Th... more ABSTRACT The Dead Sea coastal area is exposed to the destructive process of sinkhole collapse. The increase in sinkhole activity in the last two decades has been substantial, resulting from the continuous decrease in the Dead Sea's level, with more than 1,000 sinkholes developing as a result of upper layer collapse. Large sinkholes can reach 25 m in diameter. They are concentrated mainly in clusters in several dozens of sites with different characteristics. In this research, methods for mapping, monitoring and predicting sinkholes were developed using active and passive remote-sensing methods: field spectrometer, geophysical ground penetration radar (GPR) and a frequency domain electromagnetic instrument (FDEM). The research was conducted in three stages: 1) literature review and data collection; 2) mapping regions abundant with sinkholes in various stages and regions vulnerable to sinkholes; 3) analyzing the data and translating it into cognitive and accessible scientific information. Field spectrometry enabled a comparison between the spectral signatures of soil samples collected near active or progressing sinkholes, and those collected in regions with no visual sign of sinkhole occurrence. FDEM and GPR investigations showed that electrical conductivity and soil moisture are higher in regions affected by sinkholes. Measurements taken at different time points over several seasons allowed monitoring the progress of an 'embryonic' sinkhole.
<p>As sea levels rose since the end of Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ancient coastal c... more <p>As sea levels rose since the end of Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ancient coastal communities were often forced to abandon their settlements and move inland. Today, many of these abandoned sites are covered by sand or lay in shallow water. Examining these can shed light on past coastal communities as well as settlement patterns in ancient times. Archaeological excavation along the coast is particularly tricky and often sporadic in nature. Thus, high‐resolution shallow geophysical methods, which have become a standard in archaeological studies since they provide a noninvasive way of imaging the subsurface before an excavation, would seem like a perfect solution. However, most methods are limited in their ability to work near the shoreline – the transitional zone between classical land-based methods and standard marine ones. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), for example, is greatly affected by moisture and salinity and is therefore limited in its ability to work in areas saturated with seawater. Seismic reflection is time consuming to overcome issues of poor vertical and spatial resolution and sensitive to urban noise, while magnetics would provide poor results for sand covered sandstone. Other techniques, such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) have been shown to work in coastal areas and in shallow water. However, this method can be slow, as it involves setting up complex arrays for each cross section measured. This study will present the frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) method, which has the potential to overcome these problems and can bridge the gap in knowledge by measuring in the nearshore environment. The ease of use and quick scanning capability means that large areas can be covered in a relatively short time. There are no electrodes or loops to set up. Since it measures swaths, results are obtained in map-view and not cross-section, with little interpolation. Different frequencies penetrate to different depths (lower frequencies corresponding to deeper penetration). Therefore, the result is a series of frequency maps corresponding to the integration of all subsurface data in a specific sampled volume (i.e. down to the frequency-related depths), providing important information on shallow subsurface properties. The use of multiple frequencies allows for the resolving of internal structures within the depth range. Overall, the FDEM method has proven to be a valuable tool for studying coastal archaeology, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in the field in the coming years. Its ability to detect buried objects and structures and to study the geomorphology of submerged landscapes makes it an essential tool for researchers working in this field.</p>
Geology usually deals with rocks formed long ago, which are static and stable over the span of hu... more Geology usually deals with rocks formed long ago, which are static and stable over the span of human lifetime. This study aims to analyze anthropogenic influence on the formation of geological features in the southeastern Mediterranean. Tel Dor, along Israel’s northern coast, was chosen due to the continuous presence of humans in the area for over 4000 years and the protective environment of its natural bays that preserve geomorphological changes. This allows for the examination of whether and how humans affect their (geological) environment. Three rocky platforms were chosen in the shallow waters of the South Bay adjacent to the Tel, and four cores were extracted. Results show the extent of the direct and indirect anthropological influences on the landscape. The presence of building stones consisting of dolomite, which is not found along the Carmel coast, is an example of direct influence (importation). The evolution of a biological and non-biological reef upon the sturdy base of t...
CITY OF DAVID - STUDIES OF ANCIENT JERUSALEMT | The 22nd Conference | Editor: Eyal Meiron | Vol. 16, 2021
This article will present for the first time some of the results of unique research in which Grou... more This article will present for the first time some of the results of unique research in which Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used to produce scans and images of the stones of the Western Wall in the area of Robinson’s Arch. The imaging was done in the southern part of the Western Wall, from Mughrabi Gate ramp south as far as the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount enclosure. The length of the southern part of the wall is c. 63 m and the height of the walls mapped is between 17.30 and 28.90 m (Fig. 1). These data do not include the portions of wall excavated under the Herodian Street, where we took sample measurements.
This research highlighted the advantages of using GPR to collect and record detailed data from the stones of the southern portion Western Wall. It also showed how this method of mapping and investigation of archaeological monuments allows us to fairly easily obtain graphic data in two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images Perhaps useful for archaeological analysis.
Abstract The cities of Elat, Israel and neighboring Aqaba, Jordan are major economic, cultural, a... more Abstract The cities of Elat, Israel and neighboring Aqaba, Jordan are major economic, cultural, and seaport centers. They are located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba/Elat (GAE) directly on the Dead Sea Transform. Yet the precise location of the fault trace and its tectonic activity are lacking. The interpretation of seismic reflection profiles across the GAE beach and paleoseismic trench data located 2.2 km north of the shoreline provide evidence that the active offshore mapped Avrona Fault extends onland along the eastern side of the Elat Sabkha (mudflat), where three prominent fault strands crosscut the sedimentary fill. Mismatch of reflector geometry across the faults and flower structures indicate strike-slip faulting with a normal-slip component. Subsurface data from two trenching sites provide evidence for a minimum of two surface ruptures and two paleoliquefaction events. Faulting is constrained by radiocarbon dating for an Event 1 between 897 and 992 CE and Event 2 after 1294 CE. We suggest that the historically documented 1068 CE, and at least one later earthquake in 1458 or 1588 CE, ruptured the Elat Sabkha site. Based on fault mapping, we suggest a minimum value of M 6.6 for the 1068 CE earthquake. Whereas no surface rupture was observed for the 1212 CE historical earthquake, fluidized strata radiocarbon dated to before 1269–1389 CE identified as paleoliquefaction may be attributed to it. Two liquefaction sand-blows mapped in the trench likely formed after 1337 CE and before 1550 CE, which possibly occurred at the same time as in the second faulting event. Our data suggest that no large event occurred along the Avrona segment in the past ~430–550 years. Given a ~ 5 mm/yr slip rate, we conclude that a significant period of time passed since the last surface rupturing on the Avrona Fault, increasing its seismic potential.
In the Dead Sea region of Israel, sinkholes collapse can be observed easily due to the large numb... more In the Dead Sea region of Israel, sinkholes collapse can be observed easily due to the large number of sites. The continuous decrease in Dead Sea level over the last 30 years, caused a substantial increases the sinkhole activity (more than 3,000 sinkholes upper layer collapse). Sinkholes of up to 50 m diameter are found to be clustered in sites with variable characteristics. In this research, we have developed methods for prediction of sinkholes appearance by using mapping and monitoring methods based on active and passive remote-sensing means. These methods are based on measurements from several instruments including field spectrometry, geophysical ground-penetration radar (GPR) and a frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) instrument. Field spectrometry was used to compare the spectral signatures of soil samples collected near progressing sinkholes and those taken in regions with no visible occurrence of sinkholes. Active remote sensing showed higher electrical conductivity and so...
A multifocusing seismic processing (MFSP) is based on the homeomorphic imaging theory and consist... more A multifocusing seismic processing (MFSP) is based on the homeomorphic imaging theory and consists of stacking seismic data with arbitrary source-receiver distribution according to a new local moveout correction. Three-parameter travel time representation allows us to obtain a precise approximation for the CMP travel time curves and the full multi-coverage travel time surfaces. In MFSP, observed data are stacked along a full travel time surface, whereas in the CMP, they are used. MFSP does not require knowledge of the subsurface model and produces an accurate zero offset section, even in the cases of complicated geological structure and low relation signal/noise. The optimal sets of parameters obtained in MFSP (emergence angle of normal rays and two fundamental solutions of differential equations of wavefront) play an essential role in analyzing wavefield distribution. These parameters can be used as initial ones for inverse problem solutions and the construction of velocity models. MFSP, with some modification, may be applied for the ground penetrating radar data processing. We illustrate the application of the MFSP technique to the GPR profile aimed to map stratigraphy at quarry "Nesher" in Central Israel. The obtained results show that the presented method may be effectively used together with conventional procedures.
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Papers by Uri Basson
This research highlighted the advantages of using GPR to collect and record detailed data from the stones of the southern portion Western Wall. It also showed how this method of mapping and investigation of archaeological monuments allows us to fairly easily obtain graphic data in two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images Perhaps useful for archaeological analysis.
This research highlighted the advantages of using GPR to collect and record detailed data from the stones of the southern portion Western Wall. It also showed how this method of mapping and investigation of archaeological monuments allows us to fairly easily obtain graphic data in two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images Perhaps useful for archaeological analysis.