GPR Data Multipath Summation: Diffractions Focusing Without a Velocity Model

Abstract

GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) data migration requires a detailed velocity model, which can be acquired only by implementing multi-offset measurements. Today, the mostly used antenna array is the common-offset due to its limited time needed for measurements and the relatively simple processing steps in order to reach the final GPR section. This-, leads to migration processes based on limited information of cores or other ground truth knowledge. Unfortunately, it is also a fact that a great number of researches are based on the interpretation of non migrated images, which leads to misinterpretation pitfalls. Time migration gathers the energy of the diffractions at their apex and place the reflections in their correct position. Thus, migration can be considered as a very important processing step in order to achieve an adequate interpretation of the radargrams. Here, multi-path summation is utilized for obtaining GPR sections containing sufficiently focused diffractions in order to enhance the lateral continuity of reflections. Moreover, it is demonstrated that this can be implemented without the need of a velocity model, making it an appropriate time migration method for zero-offset data.