Processing Near-Surface Seismic Reflection Data

Increasingly shallow-reflection seismology is being used as a noninvasive tool to determine physical properties and geometry of the upper subsurface. This primer focuses on processing two small data sets (included on a CD) using standard common-midpoint (CMP) processing and discusses significant processing pitfalls encountered in previous work.

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The goal of this primer is to provide a basic near-surface seismic reflection processing guide for workers who have not had industry- or academic-supported training or guidance but wish to maintain the integrity of seismic imaging as a tool for near-surface exploration. Increasingly, shallow-reflection seismology is being used as a noninvasive tool for determining physical properties and geometry of the upper 100 meters of the subsurface. This primer focuses on processing two small data sets using standard common- midpoint (CMP) processing and includes significant processing pitfalls encountered in previous work. The primer includes a booklet and accompanying data sets on CD.