Quaternary buried valley characterization on the Canadian Prairies using a shear land-streamer

Abstract

Summary A 72 channel 3-component land-streamer in conjunction with an IVI Envirovibe modified with a transverse shearpack has been constructed and tested over a known >70 m Quaternary buried valley system SE of Calgary, Alberta. Recent near surface seismic reflection developments using a land-streamer have been commercialized in the Western Canadian Prairies repurposing former exploration seismic equipment. Shear-shear reflection, P-wave reflection and multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) data are acquired concurrently using this cost-effective system. Processed data depicts detailed characteristics relative to cross-sections based on sparse water wells drilled to depth in this area. Real-time GPS to sub-meter accuracy, 24-bit distributed recording, advanced vibrator electronics and feedback using 3C analogue geophones all operated by a single observer while operating the Vibroseis machine is a novel approach for shallow seismic applications. This equipment and methodology demonstrate a cost-effective approach to soil investigations for near surface shear velocities, soil characterization, and detailed lithology of quaternary valleys within the Canadian Prairies to in-fill drill locations and airborne geophysical methods.