GPR Investigations in Ajanta Caves to Decipher Seepage Pathways

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) investigations at the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves, renowned for their 2nd-century BC to 6th-century AD Buddhist heritage and exceptional mural paintings, revealed critical seepage pathways contributing to the degradation of cave walls. These pathways, identified through GPR, are linked to natural weathering processes and retreating scarps in the Deccan Trap basalts, which facilitate water intrusion and subsequent damage to the caves' structural integrity and artworks. The study underscores the potential of GPR as a non-invasive tool for monitoring and preserving such vulnerable heritage sites, offering insights into the complex interactions between geological formations and human-made structures.

Pujari, P. R., Padmakar, C., & Labhasetwar, P. K. (2012). GPR Investigations in Ajanta Caves to Decipher Seepage Pathways. Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2012, 1, 150–155. https://doi.org/10.4133/1.4721726