Seismic · Exploration
Shot Hole
A hole drilled near surface and loaded with explosive, the impulsive alternative to a vibrator source.
What it does
The charge sends a short, broad band pulse into the ground and can be placed below the weathering layer. Vibrators avoid shot holes but shallow weathering can cause statics problems for them.
Basics
| Depth | About 3 to 100 m (10 to 300 ft) |
| Source type | Impulsive, short broad band pulse |
| Downsides | Costly hole drilling, explosives handling |
Common failures
- Charge left in the weathering layer
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Poor records in one area
- Likely cause
- Charge not below the weathering layer
- What to check
- Place the charge deeper, below the weathering layer