Surface Wave Imaging to Detect Tunnels

Unauthorized infiltration into the U.S. is possible through the air, from the sea, across the land, and under the ground. Several near-surface geophysical techniques have been evaluated and in certain situations show promise in detecting underground activity related to tunneling. Recently developed acquisition and analysis techniques for multi-channel surface wave imaging has opened the door to a vast number of near-surface applications including anomaly detection and delineation, specifically tunnels. Routine scanning of the subsurface for anomalies unique to tunneling activities using surface waves can be done at relatively high production rates with confident interpretations made by minimally trained technical staff. Acquisition tests have proven that appropriate coupling for accurate recording of surface waves can be established with only pressure contact to the earth's surface, unlike body wave surveying in which coupling is optimized by invasive "planting." Marine streamer technology adapted to land provides near-continuous acquisition of 2-D profiles using pressure-coupled sources and receivers. Once parameters in a particular area have been selected, processing routines can be automated with pattern recognition and differencing routines used to identify potential targets. These nearly fully automated interpretive techniques could be almost real-time with preliminary results available within minutes of data acquisition. This tool is well suited for either initial reconnaissance surveys or differencing of periodic "patrol" surveys. A system using surface wave imaging technology could routinely monitor the shallow subsurface along the U.S. borders to recognize changes in physical earth properties likely related to tunneling. To evaluate the potential of this imaging technology a feasibility study was conducted in an area along the California/Mexico border with two sites in reasonably close proximity: one with a known tunnel and the other with a suspected tunnel. The study determined tunnels are readily distinguishable and have unique seismic signatures. This study has laid the groundwork for development of a system that could be deployed along the border to provide routine surveillance beneath access roads and trails running perpendicular to and in close proximity of the U.S./Mexico border.