SOME PROBLEMS OF SHALLOW REFRACTION INVESTIGATIONS*

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Abstract
The term shallow refraction, as used in this paper, refers to investigations confined to the superficial layer of rocks, composed primarily of unconsolidated material. To define the scope of the discussion it will be assumed that the term shallow refraction applies to work of which the lower limit is approximately 300 feet and the upper of the order of a few feet. The consideration of the small magnitude of quantities measured (distances and times) determines the perspective of the problems involved, since difficulties encountered in the interpretation, although equally disturbing whether in deep or shallow work, will cause a greater percentage of error in the latter case. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and illustrate these problems. The factors considered include the location of the geophone spread in relation to the topography of the site, influence of the ground conditions in the vicinity of geophones on recorded times, consideration of the shallow uphole shots and problems arising from the repeated use of the same shothole. The rapid variation in the vertical velocity of the overburden and errors due to it are discussed together with the effects of a non homogeneous unconsolidated material and velocity reversal. The effects of the ill‐defined solid rock surface are also considered. It appears that as the depth of investigations becomes shallower, the limits of the practical capabilities of the method are approached, because the differences between the theoretical assumptions and the actual conditions become more pronounced.