Multiparameter inverse scattering: preliminary testing results

Glen R. Young, Kristopher A. Innanen, Laurence R. Lines

The use of inverse scattering methods in the inversion of seismic data has been on the rise in exploration geophysics. With specific computational approaches it is possible to ascertain the material properties of the subsurface using scattered acoustic waves. We seek to determine multiple rock parameters such as density and bulk modulus from reflected seismic signals. A basic approach is used based on straightforward inverse scattering equations. In this case we will examine how multiparameter inverse scattering in a constant 2D background works and what are the results of inverting synthetically generated data.

A simulation was developed for this project in two parts. The forward modeling/migration stage is covered in Young et al (2011) and the least squares inversion of the data for rock properties is covered in this report. The inversion imagery is examined for accuracy and various models are tested to determine if physically realistic effects are present as would be seen in real seismic data. The conclusion from doing linearized Born inversion is that it is successful in mapping out the ’perturbing’ subsurface structure, the results for a two parameter approach seem realistic, a knowledge of the background velocity and also the constant background density would allow for the determination of the absolute values of the rock properties of interfaces at depth.