Method of and apparatus for generating shear seismic waves

A target member of the seismic energy source is driven into ground surface engagement, as the vehicle, to which the seismic energy source is pivotally connected, moves, due to the target member geometry, that is by resolving the tractive force so that the force driving the target member into the ground is a vector directed at an angle less than 90 DEG to the direction of the vehicle movement. Impulses from an impulse generator are transmitted to the target member after the latter has been driven into the ground, during the vehicle movement or at rest. The impulses are transmitted to propagate in a plane parallel to the ground surface and perpendicularly to the direction of the target member movement. In the apparatus for generating shear seismic waves the target member has a plate-like shape defined by symmetrically convergent flat side surfaces, a flat lower surface, and a concave frontal surface convergent at an acute angle with the flat lower surface to form a cutting edge for cutting into the ground under the action of the tractive force produced by the vehicle.