GPR reflection characteristics and depositional models of mud volcanic sediments—Wushanting mud volcano field, southwestern Taiwan

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was conducted in the Wushanting mud volcano field (Yanchao, Kaohsiung) using a 500 MHz antennae, which allowed high-resolution imaging of subsurface structures. Seven GPR reflection characteristics are recognized. Sigmoid GPR reflection patterns resulted from a recent mud lobe deposited above an underlying older mud lobe front. Contorted GPR facies resulted from recent mud flow which encountered obstacles. Subparallel reflections resulted from mud volcano deposits of limited flowability, low velocity and gentle gradient. Hummocky reflection patterns are formed by interfingering of recent mud lobes building onto low land. Disrupted GPR facies were due to lateral breaks of continuity from mud cracks, which, according to field observation, can provide channels for erosion and form deeper erosion gullies. GPR time slices of different depths are rendered as a three-dimensional model. Approximately orbicular GPR reflection characteristics can indicate arcuate stacked mud lobe fronts of different periods. Some depositional models to explain GPR reflection characteristics can be founded upon observations of recent sedimentary phenomena. The models of this study may be applied to paleoenvironments and the depositional evolution of mud volcanoes in similar geological settings.