An examination has been made of velocity data obtained from fifty wells located in eight states. There is definite evidence to show that the velocity of shale and sandstone sections increases with the geologic age of the beds. Less reliable evidence points to a similar relationship for limestone velocities. The velocity of calcareous sandstones and shales is substantially higher than that of a normal sand-shale section. The effect of depth on the velocity of a given section is investigated. There is a definite increase in velocity with depth in the case of shale and sand sections. Increase of velocity with age is ascribed to the general increase of the lithification of sediments with age.
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Benjamin B. Weatherby (1935) studied this question.