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Seismic Refraction Method Used in Mining Exploration

Seismic refraction is a geophysical method that uses the refraction of seismic waves to characterize subsurface geological conditions. It involves using an energy source like an explosive charge at the surface to generate seismic waves. Geophones detect refracted waves that travel through subsurface layers at different velocities. Analysis of the travel times of refracted waves provides information about the depth and structure of geological layers like bedrock. The primary uses of seismic refraction are determining depth to bedrock and mapping bedrock structure.

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639 views

Seismic Refraction Method Used in Mining Exploration

Seismic refraction is a geophysical method that uses the refraction of seismic waves to characterize subsurface geological conditions. It involves using an energy source like an explosive charge at the surface to generate seismic waves. Geophones detect refracted waves that travel through subsurface layers at different velocities. Analysis of the travel times of refracted waves provides information about the depth and structure of geological layers like bedrock. The primary uses of seismic refraction are determining depth to bedrock and mapping bedrock structure.

Uploaded by

nilton
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SEISMIC REFRACTION

METHOD USED IN
MINING EXPLORATION
Course: English Technical
Engineer: Edgar Alcntara Trujillo
Student: Giancarlo Ayala Dorregaray
What is Seismic Reflection?
Seismic refraction is a geophysical principle
governed by Snell's Law. Used in the fields of
engineering geology, geotechnical
engineering and exploration geophysics,
seismic refraction traverses (seismic lines)
are performed using a seismograph and/or
geophone, in an array and an energy source.
The seismic refraction method utilizes the
refraction of seismic waves on geologic
layers and rock/soil units in order to
characterize the subsurface geologic
conditions and geologic structure.
SEISMIC REFLECTION
The seismic refraction method is based on the
measurement of the travel time of seismic
waves refracted at the interfaces between
subsurface layers of different velocity. Seismic
energy is provided by a source ('shot') located
on the surface. For shallow applications this
normally comprises a hammer and plate,
weight drop or small explosive charge (blank
shotgun cartridge). Energy radiates out from
the shot point, either travelling directly
through the upper layer (direct arrivals), or
travelling down to and then laterally along
higher velocity layers (refracted arrivals)
before returning to the surface.
SEISMIC REFLECTION
This energy is detected on surface using a
linear array (or spread) of geophones spaced
at regular intervals. Beyond a certain
distance from the shot point, known as the
cross-over distance, the refracted signal is
observed as a first-arrival signal at the
geophones (arriving before the direct
arrival). Observation of the travel-times of
the direct and refracted signals provides
information on the depth profile of the
refractor.
SEISMIC REFLECTION
Shots are deployed at and beyond both
ends of the geophone spread in order to
acquire refracted energy as first arrivals
at each geophone position. Data are
recorded on a seismograph and later
downloaded to computer for analysis of
the first-arrival times to the geophones
from each shot position.
SEISMIC REFLECTION
The primary applications of seismic
refraction are for determining depth to
bedrock and bedrock structure. Seismic
refraction surveys provide a measure of
material strengths and can consequently be
used as an aid in assessing rip pability and
rock quality. The technique has been
successfully applied to mapping depth to
base of backfilled quarries, depth of
landfills, thickness of overburden and the
topography of groundwater.

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