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Toward noncontacting seismology
Author(s) -
van Wijk K.,
Scales J. A.,
Mikesell T. D.,
Peacock J. R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2004gl021660
Subject(s) - seismometer , laser doppler vibrometer , geology , seismic wave , microseism , acoustics , parametric array , seismology , seismic refraction , rayleigh wave , surface wave , acoustic wave , optics , physics , laser beams , laser
Buried land mines and chemical waste may provide the contrast in elastic properties within the soil needed to achieve detection via near‐surface seismic methods. The hazardous nature of these targets strongly indicates the use of noncontacting sources and receivers. A home‐made ultrasonic parametric array allows us to insonify the soil with an intense beam of sound; this acoustic energy is converted to elastic waves in the soil. Our noncontacting seismometer is a microwave Doppler vibrometer that can detect seismic waves, even through grass. We believe that developments along these lines will ultimately lead to the ability to probe large areas of the near‐surface in a safe and reliable fashion, without physically touching the ground.