Near-surface geophysics

Automatic ground penetrating Radar (upGPR) near Swiss Camp (Greenland)

Near-surface geophysics is the use of geophysical methods to investigate small-scale features in the shallow (tens of meters) subsurface.[1] It is closely related to applied geophysics or exploration geophysics. Methods used include seismic refraction and reflection, gravity, magnetic, electric, and electromagnetic methods. Many of these methods were developed for oil and mineral exploration but are now used for a great variety of applications, including archaeology, environmental science, forensic science,[2] military intelligence, geotechnical investigation, treasure hunting, and hydrogeology. In addition to the practical applications, near-surface geophysics includes the study of biogeochemical cycles.[3][4]

  1. ^ Reynolds, John (2011). Introduction to Applied & Environmental Geophysics. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-471-48535-3.
  2. ^ Hansen, JD; Pringle, JK; Goodwin, J (2014). "GPR and bulk ground resistivity surveys in graveyards: Locating unmarked burials in contrasting soil types" (PDF). Forensic Science International. 237: e14–e29. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.01.009. PMID 24559798.
  3. ^ Parasnis 1997, Preface
  4. ^ Slater et al. 2006