Geophysics in offshore site investigation: a review of the state of the art
Davis, A.M. (1996). Geophysics in offshore site investigation: a review of the state of the art, in: De Batist, M. et al. (Ed.) Geology of siliciclastic shelf seas. pp. 323-338 In: De Batist, M.; Jacobs, P. (Ed.) (1996). Geology of siliciclastic shelf seas. Geological Society Special Publication, 117. The Geological Society (London): London. ISBN 1-897799-67-5. 345 pp., more In: Hartley, A.J. et al. (Ed.) Geological Society Special Publication. Geological Society of London: Oxford; London; Edinburgh; Boston, Mass.; Carlton, Vic.. ISSN 0305-8719; e-ISSN 2041-4927, more |
| Abstract | Geophysical techniques for seabed and sub-seabed site investigation can be divided into two categories: those providing information on gross structural (geological) and stratigraphical relations, and those producing quantitative data which can be used to predict sediment behaviour under applied loading. The past few years have seen key developments in both fields which have come about through fundamental improvements in data acquisition (technological and procedural), and through an improved understanding of geophysical-geotechnical property relations. For example, high-resolution seismic reflection signatures are now routinely recorded in digital format, and, given the appropriate data quality and processing software, it is now possible to extract geotechnically significant information from the reflection response. Seismic refraction techniques are also beginning to be more widely used to provide quantitative information on the engineering properties of seafloor materials; the seismic shear wave velocity is of particular interest, since it is now being recognized as an indicator of sediment strength and stiffness. From a review of available data and the results of validation exercises, it would seem that offshore engineering and environmental surveys could reap considerable benefit from these and a range of other related geophysical developments. |
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