Numerical solution of seismic exploration problems in the Arctic region by applying the grid-characteristic method

Abstract

The goal of this paper is the numerical solution of direct problems concerning hydrocarbon seismic exploration on the Arctic shelf. The task is addressed by solving a complete system of linear elasticity equations and a system of acoustic field equations. Both systems are solved by applying the grid-characteristic method, which takes into account all wave processes in a detailed and physically correct manner and produces a solution near the boundaries and interfaces of the integration domain, including the interface between the acoustic and linear elastic media involved. The seismograms and wave patterns obtained by numerically solving these systems are compared. The effect of ice structures on the resulting wave patterns is examined.