Certerra Subsurface
Geophysicist conducting geophysical characterization using field equipment to analyze subsurface structure and material properties non-invasively.
Geophysical Characterization

Understanding The Subsurface With Geophysical Characterization

Geophysical characterization is the non-invasive analysis of the earth’s subsurface to reveal its structure and properties. It is often the most cost-effective way to obtain subsurface information and a critical part of understanding how the subsurface behaves and evolves.

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Geophysical Characterization

Delivers The Big Picture

With geophysical characterization, you gain a clear understanding of what lies beneath the surface: how materials vary, how fluids move, and how subsurface conditions influence stability. Our approach delivers the big picture, turning complex subsurface data into interpretable visualizations and relationships. The results are informed decisions, safer design, and more effective monitoring backed by reliable information.

Geophysical Characterization

Geophysical Characterization Services

We offer comprehensive geophysical characterization services for subsurface imaging, site characterization, structural assessment, and more. Our non-invasive methods deliver accurate data on physical properties and subsurface behavior.

Field technician performing a seismic refraction survey for bedrock depth mapping, placing geophones and connecting cables to collect acoustic velocity data for non-invasive depth-to-bedrock analysis. Field technician performing a seismic refraction survey for bedrock depth mapping, placing geophones and connecting cables to collect acoustic velocity data for non-invasive depth-to-bedrock analysis.
Bedrock Depth Mapping

Depth to bedrock is a critical parameter influencing structural stability, excavation cost, and foundation design across variable subsurface conditions.

Field crew conducting excavation rippability analysis using seismic hammer testing to evaluate subsurface rock strength and mechanical response, supporting excavation planning, equipment selection, and cost estimation decisions. Field crew conducting excavation rippability analysis using seismic hammer testing to evaluate subsurface rock strength and mechanical response, supporting excavation planning, equipment selection, and cost estimation decisions.
Excavation Rippability Analysis

Rippability analysis evaluates how soil or rock responds to excavation equipment, influenced by strength, weathering, and planes of weakness.

Technician installing electrodes for fracture mapping survey to identify subsurface faults and infiltration pathways affecting groundwater flow and stability. Technician installing electrodes for fracture mapping survey to identify subsurface faults and infiltration pathways affecting groundwater flow and stability.
Fracture Mapping

Mapping fractures and faults through geophysical contrasts reveals infiltration zones and pathways critical to understanding subsurface flow and stability.

Field technician carrying geophysical cables across grassy terrain during soil characterization survey to evaluate subsurface soil variability, material contrasts, and site conditions for development and environmental planning. Field technician carrying geophysical cables across grassy terrain during soil characterization survey to evaluate subsurface soil variability, material contrasts, and site conditions for development and environmental planning.
Soil Characterization

Soil characterization uses geophysical imaging to define subsurface variations in texture, moisture, and composition, improving understanding of soil behavior and environmental conditions.

Technician conducting subsurface profiling along a dam embankment to map internal layers, structural variations, and subsurface anomalies using non-intrusive geophysical methods. Technician conducting subsurface profiling along a dam embankment to map internal layers, structural variations, and subsurface anomalies using non-intrusive geophysical methods.
Subsurface Profiling

With non-intrusive subsurface profiling, you gain insight into the ground’s internal structure, mapping layers, anomalies, and discontinuities for informed decision-making.

Field technician evaluating streambank conditions during groundwater exploration survey to assess surface water interaction, subsurface flow pathways, and hydrogeologic features influencing groundwater occurrence and movement. Field technician evaluating streambank conditions during groundwater exploration survey to assess surface water interaction, subsurface flow pathways, and hydrogeologic features influencing groundwater occurrence and movement.
Groundwater Exploration

Certerra conducts hydrogeologic assessments using geophysical tools to locate, evaluate, and protect vital groundwater resources.

Geophysicist conducting void and karst detection survey in mountainous terrain using surface-based geophysical equipment to identify subsurface cavities, dissolution features, fractured zones, and groundwater flow pathways. Geophysicist conducting void and karst detection survey in mountainous terrain using surface-based geophysical equipment to identify subsurface cavities, dissolution features, fractured zones, and groundwater flow pathways.
Void And Karst Detection

Void and karst detection identifies subsurface cavities, tunnels, and sinkholes that influence stability, drainage, and environmental safety.

Field crew installing geophysical electrodes in shallow soil to investigate subsurface geohazards and identify potential risks to infrastructure and ground stability. Field crew installing geophysical electrodes in shallow soil to investigate subsurface geohazards and identify potential risks to infrastructure and ground stability.
Geohazard Characterization

Geohazard characterization provides insight into subsurface hazards, enabling mitigation strategies that protect people, infrastructure, and environmental integrity.

Geophysical Characterization

Geophysical Characterization Methods

Our geophysical characterization services combine multiple imaging and sensing technologies to evaluate subsurface conditions. Each method provides unique data about structure, composition, and moisture variations. Together, these methods provide comprehensive data you need to understand site behavior and characteristics.

Electrical Resistivity

Electrical resistivity measures variations in subsurface electrical properties to reveal differences in material composition.

Induced polarization

Induced polarization measures how subsurface materials temporarily store electrical charge to reveal compositional differences.

Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground Penetrating Radar uses electromagnetic waves to image subsurface features based on reflected signal differences.

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction measures variations in the Earth’s magnetic field to identify subsurface property differences.

Magnetotellurics

Magnetotellurics measures natural electromagnetic fields to determine variations in subsurface electrical properties and structure.

Seismic

Seismic methods measure the travel of acoustic waves through the ground to characterize subsurface materials and structure.

Multichannel Analysis Of Surface Waves

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves measures seismic surface waves to determine subsurface stiffness and layering characteristics.

Potential Field Methods

Potential field methods measure natural variations in the Earth’s electrical or magnetic properties to infer subsurface conditions.

Magnetic Surveys

Magnetic surveys measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field to map subsurface features and materials.

Gravity Surveys

Gravity surveys measure subtle changes in the Earth’s gravitational field to identify subsurface density variations.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance measures signals from hydrogen nuclei to reveal subsurface moisture content and pore structure.

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