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New Developments of efficient geophysical tomography algortithms for exploring near-surface structures

English title New Developments of efficient geophysical tomography algortithms for exploring near-surface structures
Applicant Maurer Hansruedi
Number 111846
Funding scheme Project funding
Research institution Institut für Geophysik ETH Zürich
Institution of higher education ETH Zurich - ETHZ
Main discipline Geophysics
Start/End 01.11.2006 - 31.10.2008
Approved amount 99'528.00
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Keywords (6)

Tomography ; Inversion ; Numerical Modeling ; Seismics; Geoeletrics; Georadar

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
New tomographic inversion algorithms for two- and three-dimensional imaging of near-surface structures will be developed. These techniques are required to solve urgent problems associated with important issues, such as natural hazards, disposal of dangerous waste, groundwater and construction of major buildings and tunnels. Algorithmic developments will be geared towards two principal goals: improving the reliability of the tomograms and increasing the computational efficiency of the algorithms. Enhanced model reliability will be achieved by (i) taking advantage of discrete tomography technologies, (ii) implementing joint inversions of different data types and (iii) optimizing model parameterization schemes. Computational efficiency will be improved by (i) exploiting the different levels of accuracy required in iterative inversion schemes, (ii) incorporating fast forward modeling techniques, (iii) applying wavelet-based compression schemes and (iv) incorporating modern sparse matrix solvers. These new developments will be aimed at resolving three-dimensional geoelectrical and two-dimensional seismic and georadar problems, but the codes will be implemented such that straightforward extensions to other geophysical techniques will be possible. Furthermore, the suitability and performance of the new tomographic inversion algorithms will be tested and optimized on the basis of field data acquired to resolve specific problems in geotechnical engineering, earthquake research and wood physics. The new developments achieved in the framework of this project should improve the commercial use of geophysical methods, particularly in applications for which insufficient model reliability and high computational costs have precluded their use in the past.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

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Number Title Start Funding scheme
121707 New Developments of efficient geophysical tomography algorithms for exploring near-surface structures 01.11.2008 Project funding

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