A comparison of the correlation structure in GPR images of deltaic and barrier‐spit depositional environments

Abstract

We have used geostatistical analysis of radar reflections to quantify the correlation structures found in 2-D ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) images. We find that the experimental semivariogram, the product of the geostatistical analysis of the GPR data, is well‐defined and can be modeled using standard geostatistical models to obtain an estimate of the range or correlation length, and the maximum correlation direction, in the 2-D GPR image. When we compare the results from geostatistical analysis of GPR data from selected deltaic and barrier‐spit depositional environments we find different correlation structures in GPR images from different depositional environments. GPR images from braid deltas have near‐horizontal correlation directions and correlation lengths on the order of a few meters. In contrast, the GPR image of a fan‐foreset delta has a very long (>24 m) correlation length and a maximum correlation direction plunging 20°. In the GPR images from barrier spits, we find maximum correlation directions that are horizontal or plunging a few degrees. The correlation lengths range from 7 to 43 m, depending on the orientation of the GPR image relative to spit end growth, and on the specific radar facies that is analyzed.