Velocity estimation by the CRS method: A GPR real data example

Abstract

We describe the use of the Common Reflection Surface (CRS) method to estimate velocities from Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data. Applied to GPR multi-coverage data, the CRS method provides, as one of its outputs, the time-domain rms-velocity map that is then converted to depth by the familiar Dix algorithm. Combination of the obtained depth-converted velocity map with in situ measurements of electrical resistivity enables to estimate both water content and water conductivity. These quantities are essential to delineate infiltration of contaminants from the surface after industrial or agriculture activities. The method has been applied to a real dataset and compared with the classical NMO approach. The results show that the CRS method provides a much more detailed velocity field, thus improving the potential of GPR as an investigation tool for environmental studies.