Waveform inversion of P- and S-wave velocities in deepwater complex Salt bodies based on towed streamer data

JianLiang HUANG, WanChun LIU, Ye YUAN, ShiXin ZHANG, GuoChen WU

Prog Geophy ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1) : 468-480.

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Prog Geophy ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1) : 468-480. DOI: 10.6038/pg2026JJ0007

Waveform inversion of P- and S-wave velocities in deepwater complex Salt bodies based on towed streamer data

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Abstract

In marine exploration, velocity modeling of complex deep-water salt is an extremely challenging task. On the one hand, complex salt structures exist in a unique environment where seawater coexists with elastic media; on the other hand, the strong amplitude converted waves generated by high-velocity complex salt can affect the accuracy of traditional acoustic velocity modeling. Therefore, it is essential to fully consider these critical factors in order to carry out P- and S-wave velocity waveform inversion modeling for such special structures. Addressing the challenges faced in velocity modeling of complex deep-water salt using towed streamer data, this paper employs a method of boundary coupling between acoustic and elastic wave equations to construct an acoustic-elastic coupled equation (AECE). This equation is more suitable for simulating the propagation process of seismic waves in the overlying seawater elastic media. Through numerical simulations of a three-layered model, we have verified the feasibility of using towed streamer data for S-wave velocity inversion. Subsequently, we derived the waveform inversion gradient operator applicable to the acoustic-elastic coupled equation and established a method for P- and S-wave velocity waveform inversion of complex salt based on towed streamer data. Finally, we validated the applicability and accuracy of this new method through inversion tests conducted on a complex salt media model constructed based on actual overseas geological conditions, as well as through inversion trials using towed streamer data.

Key words

Overlying seawater elastic media / Towed streamer data / Acoustic-elastic coupled equation / Forward modelling / Full waveform inversion

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JianLiang HUANG , WanChun LIU , Ye YUAN , et al . Waveform inversion of P- and S-wave velocities in deepwater complex Salt bodies based on towed streamer data[J]. Progress in Geophysics. 2026, 41(1): 468-480 https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2026JJ0007

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