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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Index Terms

  • Exploration Geophysics: Remote sensing
  • Exploration Geophysics: Seismic methods
  • Exploration Geophysics: Instruments and techniques
  • Physical Properties of Rocks: Acoustic properties
  • General or Miscellaneous: Instruments useful in three or more fields

Abstract

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 32, L01308, 4 PP., 2005
doi:10.1029/2004GL021660

Toward noncontacting seismology

K. van Wijk

Physical Acoustics Laboratory, Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA

J. A. Scales

Physical Acoustics Laboratory, Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA

T. D. Mikesell

Physical Acoustics Laboratory, Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA

J. R. Peacock

Physical Acoustics Laboratory, Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA

Buried land mines and chemical waste may provide the contrast in elastic properties within the soil needed to achieve detection via near-surface seismic methods. The hazardous nature of these targets strongly indicates the use of noncontacting sources and receivers. A home-made ultrasonic parametric array allows us to insonify the soil with an intense beam of sound; this acoustic energy is converted to elastic waves in the soil. Our noncontacting seismometer is a microwave Doppler vibrometer that can detect seismic waves, even through grass. We believe that developments along these lines will ultimately lead to the ability to probe large areas of the near-surface in a safe and reliable fashion, without physically touching the ground.

Received 1 October 2004; accepted 10 December 2004; published 12 January 2005.

Citation: van Wijk, K., J. A. Scales, T. D. Mikesell, and J. R. Peacock (2005), Toward noncontacting seismology, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L01308, doi:10.1029/2004GL021660.

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