Generating High-Fidelity Reflection Images Directly From Full-Waveform Inversion: Hikurangi Subduction Zone Case Study

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) can resolve subsurface physical properties to high resolutions, yet high-performance computing resources have only recently made it practical to invert for high frequencies. A benefit of high-frequency FWI is that recovered velocity models can be differentiated in space to produce high-quality depth images (FWI images) of a comparable resolution to conventional reflection images. Here, we demonstrate the generation of high-fidelity reflection images directly from the FWI process. We applied FWI up to 38 Hz to seismic data across the Hikurangi subduction margin. The resulting velocity models and FWI images reveal a complex faulting system, sediment deformation, and bottom-simulating reflectors within the shallow accretionary prism. Our FWI images agree with conventional reflection images and better resolve horizons around the Papaku thrust fault. Thus, FWI imaging has the potential to replace conventional reflection imaging whilst also providing physical property models that assist geological interpretations.

Automated summary

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) technology can resolve subsurface physical properties to high resolutions, and high-frequency FWI can directly generate high-fidelity reflection images, which are consistent with conventional reflection images and help to better resolve horizons.