Introduction

Abstract

The history of the seismic refraction method goes back to 1910, when the German geophysicist L. Mintrop pointed out the practical use of the transmission of seismic waves through the earth. In 1919 Mintrop applied for a patent covering refraction profiling to determine depths and types of subsurface formation. At the same time the principles of the method were analysed in the USA and put into practical use by E. V. McCollum, to mention but one worker on the subject. By 1925 the refraction method was well established as a tool in applied geophysics. In the early days the method was used for oil exploration and for detecting hidden salt domes. At the beginning of the ’thirties the refraction technique was also seen to be applicable to civil engineering problems.