Ground penetrating radar and shear-wave reflection methods were used to characterize the shallow subsurface. Both methods were compared at a site in south western Sweden. The site, which consists of a 150 m long profile, was chosen based on existing site information from previous studies. The shallow subsurface consists mainly of sediments of sand and clay. Ground penetrating radar methods, using common-offset and multi-offset techniques, in combination with common midpoint processing, were compared regarding resolution and depth penetration. It is shown that the latter strategy provides more distinct reflections and allows a deeper range of interpretable reflectors. The shear-wave reflection method images overlapping and deeper parts of the section which are below the depth range resolved by the radar waves. The study shows that by combining information from ground penetrating radar and shear-wave reflection surveys, a more complete analysis of subsurface geology can be conducted. Also in conductive environments, the shear-wave reflection method offers a possible alternative to ground-penetrating radar.

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