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Full Waveform Inversion for Homogeneous 21-parameter Anisotropic Materials

Description: 

The elastic properties of a material, including rocks and minerals in the Earth, are described in terms of a 6 x 6 symmetric matrix containing 21 parameters. Materials having isotropic elasticity are described in terms of two parameters (bulk modulus and shear modulus), while some materials, such as feldspar, require all 21 parameters. These elastic properties can be estimated using seismic waves that pass through the material. We perform a series of numerical experiments using 3D seismic wavefield simulations emulating an idealized laboratory setting of a homogeneous elastic sample surrounded by a spherical 'shell' of recording sensors. We examine the feasibility of estimating all 21 elastic parameters by considering three factors. First, we consider sensor coverage around the material. Second, we consider the proximity of the initial model to the target model; one choice of the initial model is the closest isotropic material to the target material. Third, we consider the strength of anisotropy and the class of elastic symmetry (e.g., triclinic, monoclinic, orthorhombic) of the target material. We use three-component seismic waveforms and a direct waveform difference misfit function to iteratively update the initial model toward the target model. Our study is relevant for laboratory settings, and it also provides insights into seismic imaging of well-instrumented industry field settings.

Session: Earth’s Structure from the Crust to the Core [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/16/2025

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Aakash

Student Presenter: Yes

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 95

Authors