Seismic model study of refractions from a layer of finite thickness

Two dimensional model experiments on refractions from layers of finite thickness are described. Refractions can be unreliable for velocity and depth determinations when they occur with wavelengths which are large compared to the layer thickness. Discrepancies reported between refraction velocities and borehole velocities can be partially accounted for in this manner. Even simple two- and three-layer models can show such effects as misleading second arrivals, echeloning of travel time curves, masked layers, and selective absorption in the overburden.