Application of Refraction Seismics to Subsalt Tectonic Problems in a Deep Saltdome Basin*

Abstract

Despite the use of CDP and digital methods the Zechstein base is still the deepest horizon in the vast salt‐dome basin of Central Europe for which continuous information can be obtained by reflection seismics. Thus in North‐western Germany, in addition to reflection seismics, the refraction seismic method has been increasingly used for a reliable survey of deeper horizons. The first part of the paper deals with the investigation of the various possibilities and limitations of refraction seismics with regard to the investigation of Pre‐Zechstein layers in a basin with a tectonically very complicated overburden. The recording techniques specially developed for continuous profiling of the desired refraction seismic arrivals and the data processing methods are described. The main problems of interpretation are then discussed, in particular with regard to depth representation. The advantages and disadvantages of the various methods, e.g. Gardner's, Hales' and Wyrobek's, and of the wave‐front method, are compared. On account of the tectonically complicated overburden Thornburgh's wave‐front method proved to be the most useful. In a further section the various possibilities for velocity determinations are mentioned, e.g. Wyrobek's determination of the overburden velocity, for which the wave‐front method automatically furnishes the necessary corrections to a deep datum. Finally, some examples are given for the results obtained, including some incidental information on the deeper crust.