3-D Georadar Mapping: Looking Into the Subsurface

We describe a non-invasive and non-destructive approach for addressing problems associated with the complex geology of the shallow subsurface (depths <50 m). This novel method, 3-D ground-penetrating radar (georadar) mapping, combines the advantages of new and efficient means of acquiring georadar data with recent data processing innovations introduced by the petroleum exploration industry and image enhancement algorithms developed in several sciences. Using only measurements taken on the surface, 3-D georadar mapping has the potential to produce remarkably vivid images of the shallow underground. No other technique comes close to providing the details and resolution offered by 3-D georadar. To demonstrate its power, we present 3-D images of a 20,000 m3 volume of crystalline rock containing a system of thin sub-horizontal fractures intersected by a vertical fault