Hunger Games Search for the elucidation of gravity anomalies with application to geothermal energy investigations and volcanic activity studies

Abstract

Abstract Recent metaheuristic approaches are extensively and intensively being implemented to the interpretation of gravity anomalies due to their superior advantages. We emphasize the application of Hunger Games Search (HGS), a newly established metaheuristic inspired by hunger-driven instincts and behavioral choices of animals, to elucidate gravity data for geothermal energy exploration and volcanic activity study. After recognizing the modal features of the objective function tailored and tuning the algorithm control parameters involved, HGS has been trial-tested on simulated data sets of different scenarios and finally experienced in two field cases from India and Japan. Notably, a second moving average strategy has been successfully integrated into the objective function to eradicate the regional component from observed responses. Post-inversion uncertainty appraisal tests have been further implemented to comprehend the reliability of solutions obtained. The solutions retrieved by HGS have been unbiasedly compared in terms of convergence rate, accuracy, stability, and robustness with the solutions of the commonly used particle swarm optimization algorithm. Based on the results accessed, the theoretical and field cases presented could be recuperated more precisely, stably, robustly, and coherently with the available geophysical, geological, and borehole verification, as HGS is able to better explore the model space without compromising its capability to efficiently approach the global minimum. This novel global optimization method can thus be considered as a promising tool in geothermal energy investigations and the study of volcanic activities.