Free online courseSeismic Training

Course Description

Strengthen your understanding of Earth processes by learning how seismic waves can reveal what lies beneath the surface. This free online course in Geography within School Subjects introduces seismic refraction as a hands-on method for investigating subsurface layers, turning an abstract topic into an applied skill that connects physics, geology, and real-world problem solving.

You will follow the full workflow of a seismic refraction survey, starting with field acquisition concepts and the practical decisions that make data reliable. The lessons emphasize how to set up key equipment, including correct sensor placement and the fundamentals of preparing a recording system so it captures clear signals in outdoor conditions. Along the way, you will develop the mindset needed for field work: planning, checking connections, understanding what each component is doing, and recognizing early signs of problems before they compromise an entire survey.

As the course progresses, you will move from recording to interpretation, focusing on the meaning hidden inside seismic records. You will explore how the first arrivals are identified, why the first break point matters, and how these early travel times become the foundation for understanding subsurface velocities. With guided exercises, you will practice connecting observed changes in refraction behavior to real changes in the ground, building confidence in reading data rather than guessing.

The learning experience then transitions into processing, where you see how software supports seismic refraction analysis and how processed results transform raw signals into information about near-surface structure. You will also encounter the purpose of tomographic inversion, a key idea for improving subsurface models by iteratively refining velocity variations to better match observed travel times.

By the end, you will have a clearer grasp of how geophysical surveys support engineering, environmental studies, groundwater investigations, and hazard awareness. Whether you are studying for school, preparing for higher education, or exploring practical geoscience tools, this course builds transferable skills: careful measurement, structured analysis, and evidence-based interpretation of the Earth beneath your feet.