Abstract

A seismic refraction survey along a 370m profile was studied in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory. The intention was to image the subsurface structure of the SSHCZO. P-wave velocities were picked to generate a 2D model. Results show that there is a noticeable difference between the north and south facing slopes. North facing slopes weather more quickly due to colder temperatures throughout the year. This difference was most obvious in the soil layer (up to 500 m/s). Due to resolution issues, only the upper 15m were accurately imaged. Lack of raypath coverage and smearing of the final model at depths greater than 15m indicate the potential of artificial structures in the model. The image of the upper 15m of the critical zone shows how processes, such as frost cracking, play a role in the weathering of the region.

Citation

Grant, Joey (2019): Characterising the Shallow Subsurface of the Critical Zone Using Seismic Refraction in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory. Bachelor of Science, Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University.