The near-surface geology in Western Canada is often composed of unconsolidated deposits and low velocity sediments that induce

time delays of seismic reflection data. Refraction analysis represents the best way to establish a near-surface model from which static corrections are determined. In this thesis, the Plus-Minus time analysis method, which is based on the plus-minus method of Hagedoorn (1959), is developed to build near-surface 2-D models according to the refracted arrivals.

The Plus-Minus time analysis method has two objectives: to establish a near-surface model of the Earth in terms of subweathering layer thicknesses and seismic wave velocities; and to compute static corrections to be applied to seismic data.

The refraction analysis method used is the plus-minus method of Hagedoorn (1959), which includes the Plus time analysis for depth analysis and the Minus time analysis for velocity determination (van Overmeeran, 1987).