Using the ground-penetrating radar to assess the conservation condition of rock-art sites

Abstract: We present the results of a ground-penetrating-radar survey of the conservation condition of two rock-art sites in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg (South Africa). The investigation depth in the local sandstone is comprised between 4 and 80cm, which is enough to determine whether the rock walls present any fissures that could make them unstable. The radar therefore allows the localisation of possible weakness areas and a precise mapping of the conservation state of the rock-art sites. Areas ready to detach can be recognised and the depth of alteration zones at the major discontinuities can be assessed. The non-destructive and easy-to-carry ground-penetrating radar appears as a tool particularly adapted to rock-art conservation investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]