A seismic source is a device that generates controlled seismic energy used to perform both reflection and refraction seismic surveys. A seismic source can be simple, such as dynamite, or it can use more sophisticated technology, such as a specialized air gun. Seismic sources can provide single pulses or continuous sweeps of energy, generating seismic waves, which travel through a medium such as water or layers of rocks. Some of the waves then reflect and refract and are recorded by receivers, such as geophones or hydrophones.

Seismic sources may be used to investigate shallow subsoil structure, for engineering site characterization, or to study deeper structures, either in the search for petroleum and mineral deposits, or to map subsurface faults or for other scientific investigations. The returning signals from the sources are detected by seismic sensors (geophones or hydrophones) in known locations relative to the position of the source. The recorded signals are then subjected to specialist processing and interpretation to yield comprehensible information about the subsurface.

A seismic source signal has the following characteristics:

The generalized equation that shows all above properties is:

where ${\displaystyle f_{max}}$ is the maximum frequency component of the generated waveform.

The most basic seismic source is a sledgehammer. A seismic energy is generated either by striking the ground directly, or more commonly striking a metal or polyethylene plate on the ground. Typically applied for near-surface seismic refraction surveys. Impact of sledgehammer contact with the surface can provide sufficient seismic energy for interface depths up to 30 m or more, depending on geological conditions and physical properties.

Explosives most widely used as seismic sources are known as gelatin dynamites. 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.^{[citation needed]}