Refraction microtremor

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Refraction microtremor (ReMi) is a surface-performed geophysical survey developed by Dr. John
Louie (and others) based on previously existing principles of evaluating surface waves and in
particular Rayleigh waves. The refraction microtremor technology was developed at the University of
Nevada and is owned by the State of Nevada. Optim of Reno, Nevada has the exclusive license to
develop the technology, and SeisOpt ReMi has been available commercially from Optim since
2004. Since Rayleigh waves are dispersive, the propagating waves are measured along a linear
seismic array and evaluated relative to wave frequency and slowness (or the inverse of the velocity).
Due to the dispersive characteristics of higher frequency waves travelling through the more shallow
conditions and lower frequency waves passing through deeper materials, a 1-D subsurface profile
can be generated based on the velocity with depth.
Equipment and Field Procedures
The method utilizes equipment typically employed in seismic refraction surveys. This equipment
consists of a seismograph, geophones placed in an array, and a seismic source. An array consists
of 6 to 48+ geophones placed at some interval along the ground surface to measure the propagating
waves and are connected to a seismograph that records the data. Rayleigh waves are generated
from seismic sources described to be active, passive, or a combination of both. For example, active
sources can be generated sources from a sledge hammer striking a plate or other sources that are
created near the traverse. Passive sources can be nearby highway traffic, construction equipment
working in the distance, etc. Several recordings (typically 15 to 60+ seconds long) are captured and
stored for later analysis. As multiple traverses are performed along the ground surface, the 1-D
profiles can be compiled to generate a 2-D profile of the subsurface conditions. It is worth noting that
since seismic traverses typically "average" conditions along the traverse length to some extent, the
expectations and limitations of geophysical methods should be realized.