Array GPR system “Yakumo” for natural disaster mitigation

Northeast Japan was attacked by the great earthquake and Tsunami on the 11
^th
March 2011. We have developed an array GPR system “Yakumo” in order to use it for the recovery from the damages by Tsunami. “Yakumo” is equipped with 8-channel transmitter and receiver, and has 2m width. It can acquire GPR data rapidly, and has been used for GPR survey in large areas. One of the important applications is survey on sand beaches, where Tsunami has flashed away many objects. We found that Yakumo can effectively detect objects buried 50cm–1m in sand. We have worked with local police for quick recovery from Tsunami.