GPR Mapping of Cavities in Complex Scenarios with a Combined Time-Depth Conversion.

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Subsurface Imaging
• Electromagnetic Methods

Background:

• Reconstructing underground voids like cavities and caves from geophysical data presents challenges.
• Accurate imaging requires accounting for electromagnetic wave propagation in different media.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a combined time-depth conversion strategy for improved void reconstruction.
• To enhance the interpretation of underground scenarios using ground penetrating radar (GPR).

Main Methods:

• A novel combined time-depth conversion strategy was developed.
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR) data from controlled experiments were analyzed.
• Two imaging approaches were employed: classical migration and linear inverse scattering.

Main Results:

• The combined time-depth conversion strategy demonstrably improved the imaging of underground voids.
• Enhanced reconstruction and interpretation of subterranean features were achieved.
• The strategy proved effective with both classical migration and inverse scattering methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed combined time-depth conversion strategy offers significant improvements for GPR-based subsurface void imaging.
• This approach enhances the accuracy and interpretability of geophysical data for detecting underground anomalies.