Tunnel detection using cross borehole radar

Clay Kurison, Northeastern University
Arvin M. Farid, Northeastern University
Akram N. Alshawabkeh, Northeastern University
Carey M. Rappaport, Northeastern University

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Poster presented at the 2006 Validating TestBED and Research Posters on Real World Problems for I-PLUS Development Conference

Abstract

Shallow tunnels present both military and homeland security threats. Smugglers with intentions of avoiding border security have turned tunnels into transit routes for trafficking weapons, people, drugs and other illegal materials. Shallow tunnels are also used by prisoners to escape prisons. While drug and human trafficking have long been border concerns, the threat of international terrorism has transformed the effort to detect tunnels into a national security priority. Imminent threats include assailants entering military fortifications by burrowing under buildings, detonation of high grade explosives from foundations of high security facilities, and high level prisoners escaping detention centers through tunnels. Real-time monitoring of the ground surrounding prisons across the country is a desired solution to this problem.