Near-Surface Characterization from Remote Sensing Data

The understanding of near-surface elastic properties is among the biggest challenges in onshore surface seismic technology. Effects related to the coupling of sources and receivers to the surface, as well as the propagation of the seismic waves in the near-surface, result in significant degradation of the recorded seismic signal. <br> <br>Optical remote sensing using visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared data allows mapping of the surface covering, including land-use, vegetation, and surface rock types. Thermal infrared data also provide information about the shallow near surface through conversion of sunlight into heat radiation. Volcanic and highly weathered rocks are characterized by a high thermal infrared signal, whereas, buried drainage systems and surface faults appear cool on the thermal infrared data. Radar remote sensing using microwave scattering from the surface and the shallow near surface provides information about the texture, and about the size of boulders in dry, rough, areas. Remote sensing data can be interpreted for elastic properties of the surface with application to seismic data quality estimation, and logistical planning. They can also assist in surface velocity model building and interpolation of surface velocity models obtained from sparse seismic data. <br>