Near-Surface Geophysical Imaging and Seismic Data Processing

Understanding the first few hundred meters of the Earth's subsurface is critical for civil engineering, environmental assessments, and resource exploration. This text-only course introduces you to the core principles of near-surface geophysical imaging without requiring an advanced physics background. You will develop a solid foundation in seismic wave propagation, data acquisition strategies, and the processing methodologies used to resolve shallow subsurface structures. Through step-by-step written explanations and practical data-handling exercises, you will learn how to interpret near-surface seismic data and address common imaging challenges. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental physics of seismic wave propagation and near-surface refraction; Explore modern data acquisition designs tailored for shallow subsurface targets; Apply essential seismic data processing steps to filter noise and improve signal quality; Analyze velocity models using traveltime tomography and refraction methods; Interpret geophysical profiles for environmental, engineering, and energy projects; Discover modern software-based workflows used in digital geophysics today. The course begins with essential geological and physical definitions before guiding you through data acquisition, processing workflows, and modern imaging applications. You will work through structured reading modules and conceptual exercises designed to build your analytical skills. This course is designed for beginners, students, and entry-level geoscientists looking to understand shallow-depth geophysics, with no prior advanced imaging experience required. Start reading today to build your foundational knowledge of near-surface geophysics.