Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Data Enhancement Using Seismic Techniques

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) data from three sites are processed using seismic analysis techniques. Processing operations performed include: gain recovery, spiking deconvolution, bandpass filtering, velocity analysis, elevation and static corrections, NMO corrections, and f‐k migration. In the first example, we analyze 0.5 km lines of 50 MHz and 100 MHz, single‐fold data and a common receiver (CR) gather from the William River delta, Lake Athabasca, Saskatchewan. Next, a 100 MHz, single‐fold, 120 m line from the Slave River delta, Ft. Smith, N.W.T. is processed using the previous steps. Finally, 100 m of 100 MHz, single‐fold data (also with a CR gather) from Brigham City, Utah are analyzed. Filter bands chosen for the 50 MHz and 100 MHz data were 10/20–75/100 MHz and 20/30–150/180 MHz respectively. Velocity spectra for William River delta and Brigham City are based on CR gather velocity semblances and interpreted arrivals. Velocities range from 0.3 m/ns (air) to about 0.07 m/ns (wet sand). Dry sands at Brigham City result in radar velocities of 0.14 m/ns. High‐velocity surface statics (from drier sands of 0.125 m/ns) are corrected by interpreting shallow arrivals. The Slave River velocities of 0.06 m/ns suggest a sand with higher water saturation, lower porosity, or increased fine material. Application of seismic processing techniques improves the GPR sections considerably.