Integrated high-resolution model building: a case study from the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Summary The geology of northern Oman presents significant challenges for land velocity model building. We show in this paper that these challenges can be overcome by using an integrated high-resolution velocity model workflow, through the combination of different types of waves, that allow resolving different parts of the velocity model. This dedicated workflow consists of Multi-Wave Inversion (MWI) for the near-surface, followed by Optimal Transport Full Waveform Inversion (OT-FWI) and then by ray-based joint reflected and diving wave tomography inversion. It resolves challenges imposed by complex shallow geology and allows for proper imaging of deeper structures. Compared to a conventional ray-based only model building flow, the integrated high-resolution workflow enabled generating a geologically plausible velocity model which minimizes depth positioning errors and greatly enhances structural and stratigraphic trends.