Theory and application of joint interpretation of multimethod geophysical data

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Abstract</p><p>This work is devoted to the theory of joint interpretation of multimethod geophysical data and its application to the solution of real geophysical inverse problems. The targets of such joint interpretation can be geological bodies with an established dependence between various physical properties that cause anomalies in several geophysical fields (geophysical multiresponse). The establishing of the relationship connecting the various physical properties is therefore a necessary first step in any joint interpretation procedure. Bodies for which the established relationship between physical properties is violated (single-response bodies) can be targets of separate interpretations. The probabilistic (Bayesian) approach provides the necessary formalism for addressing the problem of the joint inversion of multimethod geophysical data, which can be non-linear and have a non-unique solution. Analysis of the lower limit of resolution of the non-linear problem of joint inversion using the definition of e-entropy demonstrates that joint inversion of multimethod geophysical data can reduce non-uniqueness in real geophysical inverse problems. The question can be formulated as a multiobjective optimisation problem (MOP), enabling the numerical methods of this theory to be employed for the purpose of geophysical data inversion and for developing computer algorithms capable of solving highly non-linear problems. An example of such a problem is magnetotelluric impedance tensor inversion with the aim of obtaining a 3-D resistivity distribution. An additional area of application for multiobjective optimisation can be the combination of various types of uncertain information (probabilistic and non-probabilistic) in a common inversion scheme applicable to geophysical inverse problems. It is demonstrated how the relationship between seismic velocity and density can be used to construct an algorithm for the joint interpretation of gravity and seismic wide-angle reflection and refraction data. The relationship between the elastic and electrical properties of rocks, which is a necessary condition for the joint inversion of data obtained by seismic and electromagnetic methods, can be established for solid- liquid rock mixtures using theoretical modelling of the elastic and electrical properties of rocks with a fractal microstructure and from analyses of petrophysical data and borehole log data.</p></div>