Signal processing enhancements of GPR data in a carbonate environment

Julie Ann Aitken, Robert R. Stewart

The University of Calgary has been conducting geophysical research at the Maya site of Maax Na in Belize, Central America for several years. The 2002-2004 field seasons have resulted in the acquisition of a number of 2-D and 3-D ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys using the 250 MHz Noggin Smart-Cart. Results employing an improved processing flow and new ways of approaching and presenting the GPR data will be discussed.

The ground-penetrating radar (GPR) processing was accomplished using the Reflexw software package and involved several steps including the application of gain, filtering, and a Q-filter deconvolution algorithm. The correct application of gain is critical in presenting a real geologic representation of the near-surface. Interpolation issues relating to a lack of regularly sampled data have been addressed. An initial attempt at interpolation of the coarsely gridded GPR data using 3-D Kirchoff time migration techniques has produced some promising results.