Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating seismic waves utilizes a heavy flywheel positioned for rotation in a vertical plane to generate and store energy which is then transferred to the ground. The device includes two balanced hammers mounted on the flywheel as impact members. In operation, the flywheel is spun to a predetermined speed and then, on command, the hammers are extended outward from the flywheel so that one hammer strikes either a vertical or a horizontal strike member, thus providing a rapid transfer of a large amount of kinetic energy to the ground resulting in the generation of a set of seismic waves.