Shallow to very shallow, high‐resolution reflection seismic using a portable vibrator system

In shallow engineering‐geophysical applications, there is a lack of controlled, nondestructive, high‐resolution mapping tools, particularly for the target depth that ground‐penetrating radar cannot reach but which is too shallow for other conventional geophysical methods. For soft soil, this corresponds to a depth of 2 to 30 m. We have developed a portable, high‐frequency P-wave vibrator system that is capable of bridging this gap. As far as the important contribution of the seismic source is concerned, penetration and resolution can be individually controlled through easy modulation of the sweep signal generated by this electromagnetic vibrator. The feasibility of this system has been tested in shallow (10–50 m) to very shallow (0–10 m) applications. Seven field data sets representing varying geology, site conditions, and exploration targets are presented to illustrate the applicability. The first three examples show the potential of this portable vibrator source in shallow applications. Under favorable ...