Shallow refraction seismology for the new millennium

Abstract

In the last fifty years, the advances in shallow refraction seismology have been very modest. There have been few developments comparable to CMP, digital processing, or the 3D methods of reflection seismology. The most critical requirement is the development of an efficacious method for digital processing using the complete seismic refraction trace. Digital processing is an essential requirement for deriving more information from existing data as well as for efficient handling of the increased volumes of data typical of most 3D surveys. The refraction convolution section (RCS) is a new method for the digital processing of seismic refraction data. It can result in more detailed geological models of the subsurface through the convenient use of amplitudes as well as traveltimes. It also facilitates the examination of important issues such as signal-to-noise ratios, the resolution of ambiguities in refractor models, 3D refraction methods and azimuthal anisotropy, signal processing to enhance second and later events and stacking data in a manner similar to CMP reflection methods. The RCS provides an effective domain for the advancement of shallow refraction seismology using the model provided by seismic reflection technology.