Seismic Reflection Study of a Shallow Aquifer During a Pumping Test

ABSTRACT Seismic reflection surveys were used to follow the drawdown in a shallow aquifer during a pumping test. Using severe analog low‐cut filters and 1/4‐m geophone spacings, 335 Hz reflections were obtained from the top of the saturated zone 2.7 m deep. The reflections moved down in time as the saturated zone dropped in response to pumping. The dominant frequency and bandwidth both dropped during pumping indicating a more diffuse reflecting boundary. Slight pullups of reflectors at specific locations on the CDP sections may indicate a higher elevation of the capillary fringe and therefore finer sediments in those locations. Other potential applications of this technique include mapping cones of depression and detecting and delineating perched‐water tables.