On anisotropy and inhomogeneity parameter estimation using traveltimes

Abstract: We consider an anisotropic inhomogeneous model to simulate measured vertical-seismic-profile traveltimes. In this model, we assume that velocity increases linearly with depth and anisotropy is the result of elliptical velocity dependence. Using a series of sources in a line to a single receiver, we minimize the least-squares residual between measured and modelled traveltimes to estimate the anisotropy and inhomogeneity parameters of the subsurface. To verify the approach, we construct synthetic traveltime data for a one- and two-layer model and perform the traveltime inversion. We justify the convergence-ensuring specifications and model-parameter restrictions that are intrinsic to the parameter estimation. To determine the approach's practicality, we assess the reliability of results under the influence of noise. From this assessment, we discern the noise threshold for both models and determine that the noise restriction is severely restrictive for increasing model complexity. We estimate parameters, using the same methodology, for a real-data case and conclude with a discussion of results.