Abstract
A solution is given for the refraction arrival in water covered areas in terms of the evaluation of a branch line integral for an impulsive point source. The physical significance of the mathematical solution is discussed, and experimental verification of the theoretical predictions is presented. The character, frequency, and range dependence of the refraction arrival agree with theory.Using the results of this theory and the conventional interpretation techniques for refraction seismograms, it is possible to determine the velocities and depths of the seismic refraction horizons from the record of a single receiver. The velocities of the refraction layers can be determined from the frequency of the refraction arrivals, the depth of water, and the velocity of sound in water. Then, from the travel times the depths of the horizons can be computed.This method could be of importance in reconnaissance measurements of geologic structure over the continental shelves.
