Simultaneous inversion of layered velocity and density profiles using Direct Waveform Inversion (DWI): 1D case

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Direct Waveform Inversion (DWI) method for simultaneously recovering layered velocity and density profiles from surface seismic reflection data, avoiding the need for a global initial model.

Contribution

The novel DWI scheme enables joint inversion of velocity and density profiles in layered media without relying on a global initial model, improving upon previous velocity-only inversion methods.

Findings

DWI successfully inverts for both velocity and density in layered media.

The method handles sharp interfaces and layer properties effectively.

Numerical tests demonstrate the scheme's accuracy and robustness.

Abstract

We propose and test the Direct Waveform Inversion (DWI) scheme to simultaneously invert for layered velocity and density profiles, using reflection seismic waveforms recorded on the surface. The recorded data include primary reflections and interbed multiples. DWI is implemented in the time-space domain. By explicitly enforcing the wavefield time-space causality, DWI can recursively determine the subsurface seismic structure in a local fashion for both sharp interfaces as well as the properties of the layers, from shallow to deep depths. DWI is different from the layer stripping methods in the frequency domain. By not requiring a global initial model, DWI avoids many nonlinear optimization problems, such as the local minima and the need for an accurate initial model in most full waveform inversion schemes. Using two numerical tests here, we demonstrate that the DWI scheme for multi-parameter seismic inversion for velocity and density of layered media, using plane waves of different incident angles. This represents a significant step comparing with the previous DWI only inverting for the velocity.