Efficient Laplace-domain modeling and inversion using an axis transformation technique

Abstract

We tested an axis-transformation technique for modeling wave propagation in the Laplace domain using a finite-difference method. This technique enables us to use small grids near the surface and large grids at depth. Accordingly, we can reduce the number of grids and attain computational efficiency in modeling and inversion in the Laplace domain. We used a dispersion analysis and comparisons between modeled wavefields obtained on the regular and transformed axes. We demonstrated in a synthetic Laplace-domain inversion technique shows that this method is efficient and yields a result comparable to that of a Laplace-domain inversion using a regular grid. In a synthetic inversion example, the memory usage reduced to less than 33%, and the computation time reduced to 39% of those required for the regular grid case using a logarithmic transformation function.