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  | isbn    = 0891816607

  | isbn    = 0891816607

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The object of seismic inversion is to convert the seismic interpreter's view of the earth reflections as a function of time to the geologist's view of the earth velocity as a function of depth. This is not as easy as it may seem. The reason for this is that [[seismic data]] measurements are taken at the earth's surface and involve sending a sound pulse through the earth and recording the echoes from each reflecting interface. The farther this sound pulse has to travel, the more the pulse is distorted and the less information it is able to carry back to the surface. Obviously, drilling a well and running a set of logging tools gives us much more information. However, the advantage of the seismic method is that coverage can be made over large areas of the earth's surface. This is especially true of the large three-dimensional surveys that are now routinely being acquired. For this reason, seismic inversion is an important processing tool.

The object of seismic inversion is to convert the seismic interpreter's view of the earth reflections as a function of time to the geologist's view of the earth velocity as a function of depth. This is not as easy as it may seem. The reason for this is that [[seismic data]] measurements are taken at the earth's surface and involve sending a sound pulse through the earth and recording the echoes from each reflecting interface. The farther this sound pulse has to travel, the more the pulse is distorted and the less information it is able to carry back to the surface. Obviously, [[drilling a well]] and running a set of logging tools gives us much more information. However, the advantage of the seismic method is that coverage can be made over large areas of the earth's surface. This is especially true of the large three-dimensional surveys that are now routinely being acquired. For this reason, seismic inversion is an important processing tool.

==Seismic inversion methods==

==Seismic inversion methods==