Dr Derecke Palmer

Dr Derecke Palmer

Honorary Senior Lecturer
Science
School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Derecke Palmer is a leading international authority on near surface seismic refraction methods.  He is the originator of the generalized reciprocal method (GRM) for which he has received awards from Australian and international exploration geophysics societies, and the refraction convolution section (RCS).

His current research interests are largely focussed on the processing of full waveform seismic refraction data with Seismic Unix, in order to generate detailed compressional and shear wave models of the near surface.  These methods can be applied to statics corrections for seismic reflection data, especially where the weathering and sub-weathering are complex and where low signal-to-noise ratios occur, such as sand dunes, windy environments or near infrastructure.  Other applications include the extraction of detailed traveltime and amplitude attributes, in order to facilitate more comprehensive characterization of the near-surface for geotechnical, exploration and natural resource management, and to generate detailed starting models for traveltime and full waveform inversion. 

Phone
+61 2 9385 8719
Location
Room 566, Biological Sciences Building (D26)
  • Books | 1997
    Palmer D, 1997, Refraction Seismics (reissued in Seismic exploration ed K. Helbig & STrectel - CD-ROM), Original, Elsevier Science, The Netherlands
  • Book Chapters | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Characterizing the Near Surface with Detailed Refraction Attributes', in Miller RD; Bradford JH; Holliger K (ed.), Advances in Near-surface Seismology and Ground-penetrating Radar (SEG Geophysical Developments Series No. 15), edn. Geophysical Developments Series, AGU, EEGS, Tulsa, Oklahoma, pp. 233 - 250, http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.9781560802259.ch14
    Book Chapters | 1999
    Trzebski RC; Lennox PG; Palmer D, 1999, 'Contrasts in morphogenesis and tectonic setting during contemporaneous emplacement of S- and I- type granitoids in the Eastern Lachlan Fold belt, southeastern Australia', in Understanding Granites: Integrating New and Classical Techniques, Geological Society Publishing House, London, pp. 123 - 140, http://dx.doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1999.168.01.09
  • Journal articles | 2019
    Palmer D, 2019, 'Can full waveform refraction imaging overcome the century-long impasse at the first breaks?', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2019, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072942
    Journal articles | 2019
    Palmer D, 2019, 'Computing the head wave coefficient with multi-fold near-surface seismic refraction data', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2019, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072940
    Journal articles | 2019
    Palmer D, 2019, 'Inverting the head wave coefficient with multi-fold near-surface seismic refraction data', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2019, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072941
    Journal articles | 2015
    Palmer D, 2015, 'Does diving wave tomography improve discovery in near surface refraction tomography?', FastTimes, 20, pp. 15 - 32, http://www.eegs.org/
    Journal articles | 2015
    Palmer D, 2015, 'Is It Time To Modernize Near-Surface Refraction Seismology With Full Waveform Methods?', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2015, pp. 1 - 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2015ab035
    Journal articles | 2015
    Palmer D, 2015, 'Is accuracy more important than precision in near-surface refraction seismology?', Near Surface Geophysics, 13, pp. 1 - 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2014031
    Journal articles | 2013
    Palmer D, 2013, 'Validating vertical velocity gradients in near-surface refraction seismology', 26th Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2013, SAGEEP 2013, pp. 425 - 432, http://dx.doi.org/10.4133/sageep2013-149.1
    Journal articles | 2013
    Palmer D, 2013, 'Validating vertical velocity gradients in near-surface refraction seismology', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2013, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2013ab307
    Journal articles | 2012
    Palmer D, 2012, 'Uncertainty in Near-Surface Refraction Inversion', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2012, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2012ab410
    Journal articles | 2011
    Palmer D, 2011, 'Response to comments by Robert J. Whiteley on: Palmer, D., 2010. Is visual interactive ray trace an efficacious strategy for refraction inversion? Exploration Geophysics, 41, 260-267', Exploration Geophysics, 42, pp. 218 - 226, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG11029
    Journal articles | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Are refraction attributes more useful than refraction tomography?', First Break, 28, pp. 43 - 52
    Journal articles | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Is visual interactive ray trace an efficacious strategy for refraction inversion?', Exploration Geophysics, 41, pp. 260 - 267, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG09028
    Journal articles | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Non-Uniqueness with Refraction Inversion – The Mt Bulga Shear Zone', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2010, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1081/22020586.2010.12041863
    Journal articles | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Non-uniqueness with refraction inversion – a syncline model study', Geophysical Prospecting, 58, pp. 203 - 218, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.2009.00818.x
    Journal articles | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Non-uniqueness with refraction inversion – the Mt Bulga shear zone', Geophysical Prospecting, 58, pp. 561 - 575
    Journal articles | 2009
    Palmer D, 2009, 'Exploiting lateral resolution of near-surface seismic refraction methods', Journal of Earth Science, 20, pp. 526 - 545, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12583-009-0044-x
    Journal articles | 2009
    Palmer D, 2009, 'Integrating long and short wavelength time and amplitude statics', First Break, 27, pp. 57 - 65
    Journal articles | 2009
    Palmer D, 2009, 'Maximising the lateral resolution of near-surface seismic refraction methods', Exploration Geophysics, 40, pp. 85 - 98, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG08119
    Journal articles | 2008
    Palmer D; Shadlow J, 2008, 'Integrating long- and short-wavelength statics with the generalized reciprocal method and the refraction convolution section', Exploration Geophysics, 39, pp. 139 - 147, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG08019
    Journal articles | 2008
    Palmer D, 2008, 'Is it time to re-engineer geotechnical seismic refraction methods?', First Break, 26, pp. 69 - 77
    Journal articles | 2007
    Palmer D, 2007, 'Detailed Refraction Statics with the GRM & RCS', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2007, pp. 1 - 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2007ab108
    Journal articles | 2007
    Palmer D, 2007, 'Detailed Seismic Refraction Surveys at Mt Bulga', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2007, pp. 1 - 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2007ab107
    Journal articles | 2006
    Palmer D, 2006, 'Integrating amplitudes and traveltimes with high resolution refraction methods', 19th Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, SAGEEP 2006: Geophysical Applications for Environmental and Engineering Hazzards - Advances and Constraints, 2, pp. 1222 - 1240, http://dx.doi.org/10.4133/1.2923581
    Journal articles | 2006
    Palmer D, 2006, 'Refraction traveltime and amplitude corrections for very near-surface inhomogeneities', Geophysical Prospecting, 54, pp. 589 - 604, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.2006.00567.x
    Journal articles | 2005
    Palmer D; Jones L, 2005, 'A simple approach to refraction statics with the Generalized Reciprocal Method and the Refraction Convolution Section', BUTSURI-TANSA(Geophysical Exploration), 58, pp. 18 - 25, http://dx.doi.org/10.3124/segj.58.18
    Journal articles | 2005
    Palmer D; Jones L, 2005, 'A simple approach to refraction statics with the Generalized Reciprocal Method and the Refraction Convolution Section', Exploration Geophysics, 36, pp. 18 - 25, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG05018
    Journal articles | 2005
    Palmer D; Nikrouz R; Spyrou A, 2005, 'Statics corrections for shallow seismic refraction data', BUTSURI-TANSA(Geophysical Exploration), 58, pp. 7 - 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.3124/segj.58.7
    Journal articles | 2005
    Palmer D; Nikrouz R; Spyrou A, 2005, 'Statics corrections for shallow seismic refraction data', Exploration Geophysics, 36, pp. 7 - 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG05007
    Journal articles | 2003
    Palmer D; Jones L, 2003, 'Detailed Refraction Statics with the GRM and the RCS', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2003, pp. 1 - 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2003ab124
    Journal articles | 2003
    Palmer D, 2003, 'A 3D 3C Shallow Seismic Refraction Survey Across a Shear Zone at Bungendore', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2003, pp. 1 - 1, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2003ab125
    Journal articles | 2003
    Palmer D, 2003, 'Application of Amplitudes in Shallow Seismic Refraction Inversion', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2003, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2003ab123
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'A new direction for shallow refraction seismology: integrating amplitudes and traveltimes with the refraction convolution section', Geophysical Prospecting, 49, pp. 657 - 673, http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2001.00293.x
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'A simple approach to 3D shallow refraction seismology', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2001, pp. 1 - 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2001ab104
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'Amplitude “statics” in shallow refraction seismology', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2001, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2001ab103
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'Imaging refractors with the convolution section', Geophysics, 66, pp. 1582 - 1589, http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.1487103
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'Measurement of Rock Fabric in Shallow Refraction Seismology', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2001, pp. 1 - 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2001ab101
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'Measurement of rock fabric in shallow refraction seismology', Exploration Geophysics, 32, pp. 307 - 314, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG01307
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'Resolving refractor ambiguities with amplitudes', Geophysics, 66, pp. 1590 - 1593, http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.1487104
    Journal articles | 2001
    Palmer D, 2001, 'Shallow refraction seismology for the new millennium', ASEG Extended Abstracts, 2001, pp. 1 - 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aseg2001ab102
    Journal articles | 2000
    Palmer D; Goleby B; Drummond B, 2000, 'The effects of spatial sampling on refraction statics', Exploration Geophysics, 31, pp. 270 - 274, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG00270
    Journal articles | 2000
    Palmer D; Wood W, 2000, 'The application of mise-a-la-masse and resistivity surveys to the detection of pollution from leaking sewers', Exploration Geophysics, 31, pp. 515 - 520, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG00515
    Journal articles | 2000
    Palmer D, 2000, 'Can amplitudes resolve ambiguities in refraction inversion?', Exploration Geophysics, 31, pp. 304 - 309, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG00304
    Journal articles | 2000
    Palmer D, 2000, 'Can new acquisition methods improve signal-to-noise ratios with seismic refraction techniques?', Exploration Geophysics, 31, pp. 275 - 300, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG00275
    Journal articles | 2000
    Palmer D, 2000, 'The measurement of weak anisotropy with the generalized reciprocal method', Geophysics, 65, pp. 1583 - 1591, http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.1444846
    Journal articles | 1997
    Xie X; Macnae JC; Palmer D, 1997, 'Rapid automated determination of shallow velocity-depth structure using first breaks and the generalised reciprocal method', Exploration Geophysics, 28, pp. 170 - 177, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG997170
    Journal articles | 1995
    Palmer D, 1995, 'Can linear inversion achieve detailed refraction statics?', Exploration Geophysics, 26, pp. 506 - 511, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG995506
    Journal articles | 1992
    PALMER D, 1992, 'REPLY TO COMMENT BY R. J. WHITELEY1', Geophysical Prospecting, 40, pp. 933 - 935, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.1992.tb00561.x
    Journal articles | 1991
    PALMER D, 1991, 'THE RESOLUTION OF NARROW LOW-VELOCITY ZONES WITH THE GENERALIZED RECIPROCAL METHOD1', Geophysical Prospecting, 39, pp. 1031 - 1060, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.1991.tb00358.x
    Journal articles | 1981
    Whiteley RJ; Palmer D; Greenhalgh S; King D; Emerson D, 1981, 'Determination of velocity-depth distributions by inversion of refraction time-distance data: Discussion', Exploration Geophysics, 12, pp. 52 - 54, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EG981052
  • Conference Papers | 2012
    Palmer D, 2012, 'Uncertainty in near-surface refraction seismology', in Proceedings of the Symposium on the Application of Geophyics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, SAGEEP, Tucson, AZ, pp. 460 - 468, presented at 25th Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2012, SAGEEP 2012, Tucson, AZ, 25 March 2012 - 29 March 2012
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Detailed refractor imaging with the RCS', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Generating density models with seismic refraction data', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Imaging the base of the weathering by stacking shot records', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Is VIRT an efficacious strategy for refraction inversion?', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Non-uniqueness with refraction inversion – a syncline model study', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'Non-uniqueness with refraction inversion – the Mt Bulga shear zone', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, pp. 561 - 575, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.2009.00855.x
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Palmer D, 2010, 'The computation of attributes from multi-fold seismic refraction data', in Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Extended Abstracts, CSIRO, Sydney, presented at 21st ASEG Conference & Exhibition, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Palmer D, 2008, 'Is it time to re-engineer geotechnical seismic refraction methods?', in Wang J; Xia JH; Chen C (eds.), NEAR-SURFACE GEOPHYSICS AND HUMAN ACTIVITY, SCIENCE PRESS BEIJING, PEOPLES R CHINA, Wuhun, pp. 29 - 41, presented at 3rd International Conference on Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, PEOPLES R CHINA, Wuhun, 15 June 2008 - 20 June 2008, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000258061000004&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Palmer D, 2008, 'Non-uniqueness in near-surface refraction inversion', in Wang J; Xia JH; Chen C (eds.), NEAR-SURFACE GEOPHYSICS AND HUMAN ACTIVITY, SCIENCE PRESS BEIJING, Wuhun, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 42 - 54, presented at NEAR-SURFACE GEOPHYSICS AND HUMAN ACTIVITY, Wuhun, PEOPLES R CHINA, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000258061000005&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Palmer D, 2006, 'Will imaging supersede modeling as the new paradigm for near-surface refraction inversion?', in Proceedings of the 8th SEGJ International Symposium, Society of Exploration Geophysicists of Japan, presented at Proceedings of the 8th SEGJ International Symposium, http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/segj082006-001.92
    Conference Papers | 2005
    Palmer D; Jones L, 2005, 'Computing detailed refraction statics in a hard rock terrain with the GRM and the RCS', in Society of Exploration Geophysicists - 75th SEG International Exposition and Annual Meeting, SEG 2005, pp. 1037 - 1040, http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.2147857
    Conference Papers | 2000
    Lennox PG; Trzebski RC; Palmer D; Siebel W; Armstrong R, 2000, 'Using geophysics and geology to determine the upper crustal architecture in the northern part of the Eastern Lachlan Fold Belt (ELFB)', in Betts P; Wilson C; Rawling T; Venn C (eds.), Geological Society of Australia Abstracts 102, Geological Society of Australia, Sydney, NSW, pp. 298 - 298, presented at 15th Australian Geological Convention: Environmental, engineering and hydrogeology specialist group, Sydney, 07 July 2000
    Conference Papers | 2000
    Palmer D, 2000, 'Detailed geological mapping of bedrock using seismic refraction- new and simple processing for an old method', in McNally G; Franklin BJ (ed.), 15th Australian Geological Convention: Environmental, engineering and hydrogeology specialist group, 15th Australian Geological Convention: Environmental, engineering and hydrogeology specialist group, Sydney, pp. 376 - 376, presented at 15th Australian Geological Convention: Environmental, engineering and hydrogeology specialist group, Sydney, 07 July 2000
    Conference Papers | 1998
    Lennox PG; Trzebski RC; Palmer D, 1998, 'Constraints on Tectonic Modelling in the Northern Lachlan Fold Belt from Granites and Country Rock Deformation', in Reddy SM; Fitzsimons ICW; Collins AS (eds.), Geological Society of Australia Abstracts 72, Geological Society of Australia Incorporated, Kalbarri, W.A., pp. 268 - 268, presented at 14th Australian Geological Convention, Townsville, Qld, 06 July 1998 - 10 July 1998
    Conference Papers | 1998
    Trzebski RC; Lennox PG; Palmer D, 1998, 'Morphogenesis and Tectonic Setting of the Siluro-Devonian Granitoids in the northern Lachlan Fold Belt', in Betts P; Wilson C; Rawling T; Venn C (eds.), Geological Society of Australia Abstracts 102, Geological Society of Australia, Sydney, NSW, pp. 443 - 443, presented at 14th Australian Geological Convention, Townsville, Qld, 06 July 1998 - 10 July 1998
    Conference Papers | 1998
    Trzebski RC; Lennox PG; Palmer D, 1998, 'Subsurface shape of granites in the northern Lachlan Fold Belt and implications for the tectonic setting.', in Finlayson DM; Jones LEA (ed.), AGSO Record 1998/2, Australian Geological Survey Organisation, Canberra, pp. 179 - 182, presented at Mineral Systems and the Crust-Upper Mantle of Southeast Australia, Canberra, 20 April 1998 - 22 April 1998
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Trzebski RC; Lennox PG; Palmer D, 1997, 'Gravity modelling of granites - Implications for intrusion tectonics in the northern Lachlan Fold Belt', in Geological structures and their geophysical signatures, Geological structures and their geophysical signatures, Marysville, Vic, pp. 75 - 76, presented at Geological structures and their geophysical signatures, Marysville, Vic, 04 December 1997 - 05 December 1997