Seismic velocity and sediment thickness investigations by refraction soundings in Nûgssuaq, West Greenland

Abstract

Interpretation of refraction soundings made along the coastal strip of north Nugssuaq indicates the presence of high velocity sediments (4.3 km/s) below Cretaceous beds of velocity 3 km/s. On the assumption of a simple three-layer model the depth to the top of the Precambrian basement refractor of velocity 5.6 km/s is estimated to be around 2500 m below sea level. Complex geology and irregular topography along the coastal strip severely limit the effective application of continuous refraction profiling.