An investigation of electromagnetic wave polarization for vertical fracture characterization using ground-penetrating radar

The objective of this research was to investigate the relationships between electromagnetic (EM) wave polarization properties and vertically oriented fractures of varying aperture and fluid content. This relationship was studied through analytical solutions, numerical modeling, and controlled field experiments of a simulated discrete vertical fracture. The analytical and numerical models established clear phase and amplitude trends relating signal polarization to fracture properties. Some of these trends were successfully identified in the controlled experiments by using ground-penetrating radar over a simulated thin layer between two movable concrete blocks. The confirmation of certain results seen from the modeling and field experiments establishes a valid link between approaches and gives confidence in using EM polarization properties for identification of vertical fracture properties. This knowledge is of significant importance to a variety of environmental and engineering applications requiring remote prediction of vertical fracture properties.