Warren Offutt wrote:

> can anyone suggest where I can find software for shallow, short range
> seismic studies?
> 

Typically, refraction surveys are used for ground water investigations. 
You should start by reading up on the method, which is described in
virtually all introductory books on exploration geophysics.  It's not
particularly difficult to perform the calculations by hand with a pocket
calculator or using graphical methods. You can read a brief description
at http://www.naevageophysics.com/seismics.html  A short but
comprehensive booklet by Bruce Redpath is available free from Geometrics
on their web site at http://www.geometrics.com/env.html

Commercial software is available from Rimrock Geophysics in Lakewood,
Colorado (phone 303-985-2522 if the area code hasn't changed) and
Interpex at http://www.interpex.com/

Interpex has a broad range of software for exploration geophysics. 
Rimrock is operated by a retired USGS geophysicist. I would guess that
there may be some free programs available, but I don't have a source. 

A properly designed and manufactured exploration seismograph is a joy to
use, maybe you could line up some corporate sponsors to buy you one of
the Geometrics units.  There are many used systems available which are
adequate for refraction surveys.

Doug Crice

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