Mathematical models of elastic wave processes in seismology and seismic prospecting: forward and inverse problems

This paper presents a simulation system based on the solution of forward and inverse problems of elastic wave propagation. Forward and inverse modeling have become a useful tool for interpretation in exploration geophysics and seismology. By 3D modeling, field observations can be simulated numerically, and computed results can be compared to field data. It is known that 3D seismic modeling requires the up-to-date high-performance multiprocessor computer systems which are not readily available for many geophysical firms in Russia. This situation makes us focus on the creation of efficient numerical–analytical algorithms which allow the solution of 3D forward and inverse seismic problems without supercomputers. This paper presents some algorithms and numerical experiments for different models of media. A special emphasis is given to “non-ray” waves which play an important role in seismic interpretation theory.