On the method of surface-wave tomography and perspectives for its application in engineering seismic exploration

Abstract

The upper part of the seismic section is studied using refracted waves, as well as surface waves using the MASW method during engineering seismic surveys. This work considers relatively new near-surface approach that is actively used in seismology for studying the upper mantle and deep part of the earth’s crust, the method of surface wave tomography. This method is of great practical interest, since it allows to obtain 3D subsurface models, and it potentially has better spatial resolution than the widely used MASW method. Also method allows conducting remote researches, without placing sources and receivers directly this above the studied area. Thus, the method is especially relevant for studying the subsurface under buildings, structures, and inaccessible zones. Within the framework of this work, tests of the developed algorithm for surface-wave tomography using direct rays were carried out on modeled data. The performance of the algorithm was assessed and the resolution of the method was estimated. Also the optimal observation schemes were considered as well as the influence of the regularization parameter value on the inversion result. Basing on the results of the current study, it can be concluded that the method of surface-wave tomography and its realization via the developed algorithm can be effectively used to solve engineering-geological problems both on land and shallow seas.