Analysis of ground-probing radar data: predictive deconvolution

• Published in: Canadian Geotechnical Journal
• Main Authors: Lafleche, P. T., Todoeschuck, J. P., Jensen, O. G., Judge, A. S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1991
• Subjects: Civil and Structural Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology; Contwoyto Lake; permafrost
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/t91-014; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/t91-014

Recent advances in ground-probing radar instrumentation have allowed the collection of large volumes of digital data. Such data sets are amenable to modern data-processing techniques both to increase geological resolution and to enhance data presentation. The close similarity between ground-radar data and seismic data suggests that processing techniques that have been used in the seismic industry could be applied to radar data. As an example, a ground probing radar profile is deconvolved using the common prediction-error filter, which assumes a white power spectrum for the reflections, and a filter that assumes a spectrum proportional to spatial frequency. With the prediction-error filter we find three of four buried pipes which are not visible in the undeconvolved section; all four are found with the second filter. Key words: ground-penetrating radar, deconvolution, scaling geology, frozen-core dams, permafrost, containment dams, mill waste, Contwoyto Lake.