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U.S. Department of Energy
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Geophysical investigation of 218-W-4C trenches {number_sign}1 and {number_sign}4, 200 west

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10179604· OSTI ID:10179604

The objective of these surveys was to determine the effectiveness of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) for defining the depth and location of barrels in Burial Ground 218-W-4C, 200 West area of the Hanford Reservation. GPR data were collected in a portion of trench {number_sign}1-module 3 and trench {number_sign}4. The GPR system used for this work utilized a 300-megahertz antenna to transmit the electromagnetic energy into the ground. A percentage of the transmitted energy is reflected back to a receiving antenna where variations in the return signal are recorded. Common reflectors include natural geologic conditions such as bedding, cementation moisture and clay, or man-made objects such as pipes, barrels, foundations and buried wires. Depth of penetration, which varies with changes in geology, ranged from 10 to 15 feet for this survey. The method is limited in depth by transmit power, receiver sensitivity and attenuation of the transmitted energy. Depth of investigation is also limited by highly conductive materials, such as metal drums, which reflect all the transmitted energy, preventing investigation below such objects. Display and interpretation of the data are similar to that of seismic reflection data. In some areas interpretations can be straight forward, however, unknown parameters within a highly variable subsurface often yield complex data.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-87RL10930
OSTI ID:
10179604
Report Number(s):
WHC-SD-EN-TI--174; ON: DE93040394
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English