Layered and Laterally Constrained 2D Inversion of Time Domain Induced Polarization Data

Abstract

In a sedimentary environment, quasi-layered models often represent the actual geology more accurately than smooth minimum-structure models. We have developed a new layered and laterally constrained inversion algorithm for time domain induced polarization data. The algorithm is based on the time transform of a complex resistivity forward response and the inversion extracts the spectral information of the time domain measures in terms of the Cole-Cole parameters. The developed forward code and inversion algorithm use the full time decay of the induced polarization response, together with an accurate description of the transmitter waveform and of the receiver transfer function allowing for a quantitative interpretation of the parameters. The code has been optimized for parallel computation and the inversion time is comparable to codes inverting just for direct current resistivity. The new inversion algorithm retrieves consistent values for both the Cole-Cole parameters and the layer thicknesses and is a promising tool for identifying formation boundaries, e.g. in for discriminating sand and clay layers or pollution fans, due to the chargeability of these layers.