Work

Co-polarimetric ground-penetrating radar amplitude and phase variation with offset (APVO) analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has emerged as a powerful geophysical tool for subsurface characterization. However, conventional fixed-offset systems often lack the capability to fully resolve complex dielectric properties. This study presents an enhanced amplitude and phase variation with offset (APVO) analytical framework for co-polarized GPR systems, which significantly improves the detection of subsurface anomalies through comprehensive characterization of electromagnetic responses. We systematically investigate both vertical–vertical (VV) and horizontal–horizontal (HH) polarization modes, and address key limitations in existing approaches by focusing on the amplitude variations caused by the first reflection. For VV polarization, we develop an optimized exponential gain compensation method that demonstrates superior performance in correcting signal attenuation and preserving true amplitude relationships compared to conventional power-law approaches. In HH polarization analysis, we experimentally validate the remarkable stability of Brewster angle detection across varying target geometries, confirming its dependence on dielectric contrast. Our phase-tracking methodology achieves excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, enabling accurate determination of subsurface dielectric properties. The proposed framework combines amplitude and phase response patterns to differentiate various subsurface anomalies, including cavities, light non-aqueous phase liquids contaminated zones, and saturated layers. These advancements offer significant improvements over conventional single-offset GPR measurements and have practical applications in environmental monitoring, archaeological surveys, and infrastructure inspection.

Source: Journal of Geophysics and Engineering

DOI: 10.1093/jge/gxaf098

Authors: Dawei Liu, Xuebing Zhang, Xuan Feng, Junxuan Pei, Longxiang Yao

Institutions: Jilin Jianzhu University, Institute of Disaster Prevention, Jilin University

Language: English

Topic: Geophysical Methods and Applications

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province