| The goals of this dissertation were to: (1) evaluate the utility of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for high-resolution imaging of near-surface sandstone and carbonate reservoir analogs; (2) develop GPR data collection, processing, and interpretation methodologies for stratigraphic studies; (3) improve understanding of interrelationships between petrophysical properties and GPR response; and (4) develop methodologies for improved integration of GPR data with stratigraphic and petrophysical data.; Near-surface sandstone and limestone deposits of the Upper Pennsylvanian Douglas, Lansing and Kansas City groups in eastern Kansas were the focus for developing collection techniques and improving the utility of GPR methods for stratigraphic studies. Common-offset and common-midpoint GPR data with center-frequencies of 110, 225, 450, and 500 MHz were collected at the study sites. Dielectric constant measurements, petrophysical measurements (e.g., porosity and hydraulic permeability), lithological analysis (X-ray diffraction and petrographic), dielectric constant modeling, finite-difference time-domain waveform modeling, geophysical wireline conductivity and gamma-ray logs, and outcrop photomosaics were used to enhance GPR interpretation.; Dielectric constant and hydraulic permeability values are functions of porosity and lithology. Lithologic and dielectric complexity, and petrophysical heterogeneity show a progressive increase from fluvial sandstones, to estuarine sandstones, to massively-bedded carbonates, to argillaceous carbonates. Fluvial sandstones exhibit a bimodal lithologic and dielectric character, with quartz and mica amounts being the main controls. Estuarine sandstones exhibit greater lithologic and dielectric heterogeneity, with quartz, shale, and mica amounts as the main controls. Argillaceous limestones exhibit the greatest lithologic and dielectric heterogeneity, with calcite, shale, and quartz amounts being the main controls. The dielectric constant values proved a basis for predicting rock properties (e.g., hydraulic permeability and water saturation).; GPR, a valuable tool for investigating shallow subsurface strata, can provide more information than the geometry of stratigraphic bedding features (e.g., bounding surfaces). Inclusion and integration of geological, petrophysical, and geophysical information with GPR data can provide the basis for detailed interpretation of GPR attributes and reflection character, and insight into spatial changes in lithology and petrophysical properties. |
