Dictionary:Near-surface geophysics

Generally means investigating the uppermost 50–100 m. The objectives of near-surface geophysics are often noninvasive investigations of pollution problems, obtaining engineering information, locating and defining archaeological sites, near-surface structural features such as paleochannels and faults, cavities and tunnels, minerals, groundwater, pipelines, etc. Methods include surveys using gravity and magnetics, electrical resistivity, self potential (SP), electromagnetics, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), seismic reflection, seismic refraction, and other methods.