Limitations of shallow cross-hole radar investigations

Subsurface radar when used as a geophysical tool is noted for its high spatial resolution. This compensates for the relatively modest ranges usually achieved in geological media. When used in its most popular mode of zero offset surface profiling, the presence of moist soils and near surface conductive clays with attenuations often approaching 50 dB/m, limits the useable range still further. Currently available radar equipment, with performance figures of the order of 120 dB, will be restricted to one or two metres range in these materials.