High resolution seismic data is increasingly common in investigations of the shallow subsurface as applied to regions of active faulting, Quaternary stratigraphy, and environmental studies. Until recently, high resolution imaging techniques have relied on acquisition using expensive energy sources, such as VIBROSEIS. Development of lightweight, portable seismographs and cheaper more portable sources such as accelerated weight drops, shot guns, and small explosive charges now provide a viable means for acquiring high resolution seismic data with up to 1 km depth penetration. High frequency energy is least attenuated in the near surface, so resolution on the order of meters is obtainable.
High-resolution subsurface imaging is being used to study the fault structure and earthquake potential of the Lajas Valley in Puerto Rico and was recently used to image cyclostratigraphy in the Triassic Newark Rift Basin.
Another project uses seismic reflection and refraction techniques to determine the boundary conditions, (depth to bedrock, significant stratigraphic interfaces) to ground water flow in a local glacial lake basin. In addition we have begun integrating ground penetrating radar data to compliment our seismic techniques and expand our capabilities to work in shallow lake environments. Sediments have been accumulating in a series of glacial lakes in northeast PA since the Wisconsin deglaciation and preserve a record of local climate change. Working with colleagues at Lehigh, a combination of high resolution seismic imaging and coring of the lake bed sediments will provide a database for investigating the last 18,000 years of climate history.