User:FunFactsWithJane/sandbox

Explosives most widely used as seismic sources are knows as gelatin dynamite s. These dynamites are placed into three subcategories, straight gelatins in which nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate with the chemical formula C3H5(ONO2)3 is the active component, ammonia gelatins in which ammonia nitrite with chemical formula NH₄NO₃ as the active component, and semi gelatins in which the composition consists mostly of nitroglycerin.

Upon detonation, explosives release large volumes of expanding gas very quickly, forcing great pressure to the surroundings in the form of seismic waves.

Using explosives as seismic sources has been in practice for decades because of the reliability and energy efficiency they provide. Such sources are most commonly used on land and swampy environments because of high thickness in sediments. Typical charge sizes used in the field for reflection surveys are 0.25kg to 100kg for single hole sources, 0.25kg to 250kg or more for multiple hole sources, and may reach 2500kg or more for refraction surveys.

Though dynamites and other explosives are efficient seismic sources because of their reduced costs, ease of transport in difficult terrains, and lack of regular maintenance compared to other sources, the use of explosives is becoming restricted in certain areas, causing decline and increasing popularity for alternative seismic sources.