Migration Imaging Algorithm for Ground-Penetrating Radar in Anisotropic Media

Anisotropic media are prevalent in many geological and physical scenarios, characterized by direction-dependent physical properties that pose challenges to conventional imaging techniques. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that electromagnetic waves exhibit waveform splitting in anisotropic media, leading to poor imaging results. To overcome this issue, we have developed a Reverse Time Migration (RTM) imaging algorithm specifically for anisotropic media. We compare the performance of the RTM algorithm in anisotropic media with that in isotropic media. The results show that our new algorithm effectively improves imaging quality in anisotropic media. It delineates geological boundaries more clearly, enhances the imaging of weak reflectors, and reduces artifacts caused by anisotropic effects. This research provides a valuable methodology for more accurate subsurface imaging in anisotropic geological environments, with potential applications in fields such as water-ice exploration, buried river-channel detection, and directional fracture identification.