Feasibility and Resolution of Shallow Seismic-reflection Techniques in Northwestern Franklin, Southeastern Douglas, and Osage Counties in Kansas

Abstract

Seismic reflection can be effectively used in east-central Kansas to delineate subsurface features significant to hydrologists, petroleum geologists, and petroleum engineers. Eight high-resolution seismic lines were acquired within a three-county area in east-central Kansas. Dominant frequencies of reflections from this area ranged from 140 to 350 Hz, yielding vertical resolution limits between 1 m and 3 m (3.3 ft to 10 ft) to depths in excess of 200 m (656 ft). Synthetic seismic traces and well geology were incorporated into interpretations of reflection events. Seismic data from the east, north, and west portions of the study area are of excellent quality and can be correlated with the synthetic seismograms and from line to line based on wavelet character and reflection-time intervals.