Abstract. This study presents an integrated geophysical approach for shallow subsurface characterization using seismic refraction and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) at the Florida Atlantic University Boca Preserve. A 240 m transect was surveyed using 48 geophones and three GPR antenna frequencies (80, 160, and 450 MHz) to capture complementary acoustic and electromagnetic responses. Seismic data were processed through first-arrival picking and layered inversion, while GPR data underwent time-zero correction, filtering, background removal, and migration. The integrated interpretation, supported by nearby borehole information, delineated four principal subsurface units: loamy soil (0–3 m), dry sand (3–8 m), saturated sand (8–30 m), and a probable limestone layer below ~30 m. Both methods independently identified a strong boundary near 7–8 m corresponding to the water table, demonstrating excellent cross-validation between seismic velocities and dielectric contrasts. The results highlight the effectiveness of combining seismic and GPR techniques for non-invasive characterization of heterogeneous coastal environments. The derived stratigraphic model provides a useful foundation for ecological restoration planning, groundwater assessment, and future geophysical studies within the preserve.
Manikkavasagam et al. (Mon,) studied this question.