Integrated geophysical imaging and inversion for georadar and seismic exploration

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With this proposal, I describe the scientific advances that my research group expects to make in exploring the shallowest part of the Earth's crust. Specifically, we will enable paleo-volcanic flow determination and sub-glacial flow mapping through advancement of the georadar method, and we will characterize the hold-down medium of a proposed Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) site. In georadar, our intent is to capture much higher resolution data than is done now through development of a new acquisition platform. The proposed platform integrates excellent portability and advanced surveying with conventional georadar units. With exceptional data quality in hand, we will develop breakthrough georadar imaging through adaption of our substantial expertise in advanced seismic processing, imaging, inversion, and high-performance computing (HPC). We will use our breakthrough technologies to answer key questions regarding the origin of volcanic flows and volcanic conduit systems at Craters of the Moon, Idaho. Simultaneously, we will deploy our new equipment and techniques to a local frozen lake and to local glaciers for experiments in basal-ice imaging. These excursions we hope to use as analogue experiments for longer-term exploration at Borup Fjord Pass, Nunavut - home to an internationally recognized analogue for possible life-forming sulphur springs on Mars and on a moon of Jupiter (Europa). With significant galactic implications, our proposed advanced georadar is a natural tool for mapping the sub-glacial plumbing system of these springs. I also describe our proposed research into seismic characterization at Priddis, Alberta. Nearsurface characterization is critical at a proposed Carbon Capture and Storage site there. As we propose to do for georadar, we will adapt our seismic and HPC expertise and make breakthrough advances in nearsurface mapping of rock stiffness measurements. They will be used in seismic imaging, and joint seismic and gravity mapping. In the longer-term, we hope to adapt this technology for use in slope stability (hazard) assessment.