Study on the method of using GPR AVO analysis to detect groundwater of Badain Jaran Desert

The Badain Jaran Desert that is the world's fourth largest desert with 1000–1200 meters height is called the Desert Mount Everest and has the highest mega-dune in the earth. There are more than 100 lakes distributing in this area. However, the climate is dry and windy, and it is still an enigma that where the groundwater comes from. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey is a significant technique to detect the underground water due to the high-resolution subsurface exploration. In this study, the GPR experience is conducted in Badain Jaran Desert, aiming for the groundwater detection and further investigating the origin of the lakes. Particularly, we study the method of Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) analysis of GPR data for the exploration of formation water. Firstly, several multilayered models with different kinds of absorbent materials are simulated with MATLAB program using Finite Difference Time Domain method in order to study the relationship between the moisture in different materials and the amplitude of GPR reflected wave. Secondly, our experiments in field using SIR 3000 system with 900 MHz antennas as well as EKKO 100 connected to 100 MHz antennas and the results using AVO analysis theory in moisture content detection are both presented. The result of this study shows that AVO analysis method of radar data can be used successfully in groundwater exploration. All the probe methods and results in formation water detection using AVO analysis of GPR data will be showed concretely later.