A suggested solution to the blind zone problem in shallow exploration surveys

The blind zone in exploration using the refraction method is one which exists in practice and therefore has to be carefully considered in the solution of any shallow exploration studies using the seismic refraction method. This case study presents problems encountered due to the occurrence of a blind zone during a tailings dump evaluation in which the refraction method was employed and suggests a solution to the problem. The solution works well in situations where the velocity of the hidden layer approximately equals that of the overlying layer. The results of depths computed using the method were compared with those obtained from drilling and they yield very satisfactory reliability.