Abstract: An explosive blasting method and apparatus for producing rock fragmentation and substantially reducing the amplitude of seismic effects (ground vibration) in the vicinity of the blast. An embodiment of the invention utilizes an air gap method and apparatus for superheating the air surrounding the charge in a borehole thereby significantly raising the pressure therein coupled with the use of multiple detonation points along the borehole for the reduction of burn time thereby substantially reducing the quantity of explosives used along with a marked reduction of seismic shock, sound and dust effects to the surrounding area.