Abstract

CARDENAS-SOTO, Martín et al. A Pseudo 3D seismic refraction tomography for exploring archaeological structures. Ing. invest. y tecnol. [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.1, e1889.  Epub May 02, 2022. ISSN 2594-0732.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fi.25940732e.2022.23.1.003.

In the seismic refraction method, refracted waves provide the velocity and irregularity of the substratum. In this study, we took advantage of this method to construct 3D images of the refractor subsurface for two rectangular arrays of sources and receivers. The procedure consists of fitting a straight line to the refracted arrival times that pass through each of the cells that discretize the study surface. The slope inverse is the P-wave velocity, and the intercept time allows us to estimate the substratum depth. We applied this method to two archaeological zones where it was necessary to know the structure of the subsoil velocity and the possible presence of anomalies associated with buried constructions. The results show velocity anomalies related to buried structures and lateral discontinuities due to changes in the refractor layer composition. At the site of Plazuelas, Guanajuato, the slope irregularity of this refractor indicates the unevenness of the ground that had to be filled for the Pyramid's construction. At the Xalasco site, Tlaxcala, impedance contrast is low, but lateral velocity variations show anthropogenic anomalies related to the distribution of remains of ceremonial archaeological foundations.

Keywords : Seismic refraction; seismic tomography; substratum; archaeology; 3D studies.

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