Investigation of the limitations and applicability of the method of homogeneous functions for solving the inverse kinematic problem of seismic exploration

Abstract

The results of the application of the variational ray tracing algorithm to study the possibilities and limitations of one of the methods for solving the inverse kinematic problem of seismic exploration — the method of homogeneous functions developed at the Department of Seismometry and Geoacoustics of Moscow State University are presented. As a result of the calculations carried out on synthetic models and field material, conclusions were drawn about the exploration possibilities and areas of application of the method of homogeneous functions. Model examples show that the method of homogeneous functions gives correct results only for simple media: vertically inhomogeneous or layered with slightly inclined boundaries, and folds or inclusions can be restored only at a qualitative level. When working with real field data, the method of homogeneous functions correctly restores the velocity structure of the section to a depth of 1/3-1/2 of the maximum depth of ray penetration. At the same time, it makes sense to interpret only large anomalies with contrasting velocity values on the obtained velocity sections.