Inversion of geophysical data

When using geophysical methods to gain insight into the structure of the earth, large geophysical data sets are collected. Since the earth is a 3D structure, the data must be interpreted and processed in 3D to be of the most value in the exploration process. This research will develop the capability to invert large gravity, magnetics, and airborne EM datasets accurately and in a reasonable timeframe. This requires the research and development of inversion software, data visualization and QC software, and inversion setup scripts. Currently much of the time spent on inversion projects is spent manipulating and formatting the data and additional inversion input files. By researching and developing efficient workflow procedures and robust and automated scripts to create the necessary inversion input files, this setup process can be streamlined and made much more efficient. The partner organization, Computational Geosciences Inc., provides modeling and data processing services for the resource sector. This research will allow the organization to improve the exploration process and chance of success by providing advanced 3D inversion service to industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Eldad Haber

Student:

Elliot Holtham, Archa Rowan B. Cockett & Mike McMillan

Partner:

Computational Geosciences Inc.

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

University of British Columbia