
Computation, Optimization, and Machine Learning in Seismology
Paperback | 9 July 2025 | Edition Number 1
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448 Pages
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Computational Seismology is defined as theoretically simulating seismic wave propagations on computer for various subsurface earth models and matching the computed responses with the field observations to find the actual subsurface rock properties. As the computations advanced from serial to vector with eventually parallel computing technology emerging between 1980 and 2000, this manual matching procedure was automated on the computer, leading to a new field to what is called Seismic Inversion or Optimization, which is since a routine practice in almost every field of geophysics. From the beginning of this millenium, a new computing technology based on artificial intelligence has been developed, which involves, starting from the artificial neural networks, a variety of intelligent methods which are now broadly classified as Machine-learning (ML). Application of ML in geophysics is broad, such as geological interpretation of seismic sections via pattern recognition, signal-to-noise-ratio enhancement on data, seismic depth imaging, and much more.
Computational Seismology, Optimization, and Machine Learning encompasses proper use of seismic data that requires (1) thorough understanding of the seismic wave theory and how they can be efficiently implemented on the computer, (2) how the seismic theory can be combined with the optimization theory to estimate subsurface geological structure, lithology, and fluid properties and (3) how recent developments of machine learning can aid in efficient implementations of these optimization methods in high-performance computing environments. While there are some excellent textbooks available separately covering each of these topics, a single textbook integrating them into a comprehensive framework is necessary. Thus this will be a primary textbook for seismic inversion/optimization courses taught at different Universities around the world. In addition, this book will also serve as an excellent reference book to the professionals at the academic, research, and industry communities.
Volume highlights include:
- A comprehensive account of the seismic wave-theory, different optimization, and machine learning methods in an integrated and unified framework
- Provides language-independent pseudo-codes for each method with detailed discussion that will allow developing group projects for the class, and these pseudo-codes will allow researchers to easily implement the methods in practice
- Discussions on multi-objective optimization method in geophysics, which is a unique inclusion in this textbook
- Although machine learning is, in theory, an optimization, a unified treatment of classical optimization theory and machine learning tools will be discussed in the book, this is not currently available in any textbook
- Well thought out exercises to reinforce the concepts and methods developed in every chapter
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO SEISMOLOGY, OPTIMIZATION, AND MACHINE LEARNING
1.1 Seismology: a historical perspective
1.2 Earthquake Seismology 1.2.1 Finding the structure of earth
1.2.2 Developments of the mathematical foundations
1.2.3 Development of the concepts of plate-tectonics and earthquake seismology
1.3 Exploration Seismology
1.3.1 Historical perspective
1.3.2 Refraction seismology
1.3.2.1 Fundamentals
1.3.2.2 Interpretation
1.3.3 Reflection seismology
1.3.3.1 Fundamentals
1.3.3.2 Data processing
1.3.3.3 Interpretation
1.4 Seismic inversion or optimization
1.4.1 Overview
1.4.2 Traveltime inversion
1.4.3 Amplitude-variation-with-angle analysis and inversion
1.4.4 Waveform inversion
1.5 General concepts of machine-learning
1.6 Description of the different Chapters of the book
1.7 References
CHAPTER 2 MATHEMATICAL BACKGROUND TO UNDERSTAND GEOLOGIC AND GEOPHYSICAL SOURCES
2.1 Fourier Series and integrals
2.1.1 Fourier Series
2.1.2 Fourier Integrals
2.1.3 Fourier Transforms
2.2 Partial Differential Equations
2.2.1 Parabolic Partial Differential Equations
2.2.2 Elliptic Partial Differential Equations
2.2.3 Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations
2.2.4 Green’s Theorem and Seismic Response from Point Sources
2.3 Fundamentals of Tensor Algebra
2.3.1 Scalars, Vectors, and Tensors
2.3.2 Basis Vectors
2.3.3 Covariant and contravariant components of a Tensor
2.3.4 Identity Tensor
2.3.5 Representation of Tensors in Different Coordinate Systems
2.3.6 Elements of Tensor Algebra and Tensor Calculus
2.4 Exercises
2.5 References
CHAPTER 3 FUNDAMENTALS OF THE LINEARIZED ELASTIC WAVE THEORY WITH APPLICATIONS TO GEOLOGIC SURFACES
3.1 Strain (deformation) Tensor
3.2 Stress Tensor
3.3 Linearized Theory of Elasticity (Hooke’s Law)
3.3.1 Elastic Stiffness Matrix
3.3.2 Orthogonal Transformations and Different Anisotropic Symmetries
3.4 Equivalent Medium
3.4.1 Layered System
3.4.2 Effect of Fractures and Cracks
3.5 Momentum Equation
3.5.1 Dynamic Relation of Elasticity
3.6 Elastodynamic Equation
3.6.1 Combination of the Static and Dynamic Relation
3.6.2 Derivation of Elastodynamic Equation
3.7 Elastic Waves in a Homogeneous Medium
3.7.1 Christoffel Equation
3.7.2 Slowness (Inverse Velocity) Surface
3.7.2 Phase Angle and Phase Velocity
3.7.3 Group (ray) Angle and Velocity
3.7.4 Solution of the Christoffel Equation
3.8 Exercises
3.9 References
CHAPTER 4 SEISMIC WAVES IN AN INHOMOGENEOUS GEOLOGIC MEDIUM
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Seismic Waves in a Horizontally Stratified Medium
4.2.1 Derivation of the Elastic Systems
4.2.2 Solution of the Elastic System
4.2.3 Propagators and Wave Propagators
4.2.4 Reflection and Transmission Coefficients at an Interface
4.2.5 Reflection and Transmission Matrices in a Layered System
4.2.6 Point Source in a Layered System
4.2.7 Computation of the Source Wavefield
4.2.8 Computation of the Receiver Wavefield
4.2.9 Computation of Seismic Response in Different Domains
4.2.10 Implementations in High-performance Parallel Computing Environments
4.3 Seismic Waves in a Three-dimensionally Inhomogeneous Medium
4.3.1 Formulation of the Problem from Elastodynamic Equation
4.3.2 Finite-difference Method
4.3.2 Finite-element Method
4.3.3 Implementation in High-performance Parallel Computing Environments
4.4 Amplitude-Variation-With-Angle (AVA) Methods
4.4.1 Introduction
4.4.2 AVA Formula for Isotropic and Anisotropic Medium
4.4.3 Applications of AVA
4.4.3 Fundamental Assumptions of AVA with Implications
4.4.5 Examples
4.5 Exercises
4.6 References
CHAPTER 5 FUNDAMENTALS OF OPTIMIZATION IN GEOLOGICAL MODELS
5.1 What is Optimization?
5.1.1 A Simple Example- Person Kicking a Soccer Ball
5.1.2 Geophysical Analogies
5.1.2.1 Post-stack Seismic Inversion
5.1.2.2 AVA Inversion
5.1.3 Definitions of Forward and Inverse Problems
5.2 Operator-based and Model-based Inversion/Optimization
5.2.1 Operator-based Optimization
5.2.2 Model-based Optimization
5.2.3 Demonstration of the Need for Model-based Optimization
5.2.4 Soccer Ball Example Revisited and Formulation of Model-based Optimization
5.2.5 Definition of the Objective
5.3 Fundamental Definitions
5.3.1 Data Space
5.3.2 Model (Decision) Space
5.3.3 Objective Space
5.4 Different Flavors of Model-based Optimization
5.4.1 Local Optimization
5.4.2 Global Optimization
5.4.3 Single and Multi-objective Optimization
5.5 Optimization Cast in a Bayesian Framework
5.5.1 Fundamental Concept
5.5.2 Bayes’ Theorem
5.5.3 Uncertainty Quantification
5.6 Exercises
5.7 References
CHAPTER 6 OPTIMIZATION OF FUNCTIONS IN GEOPHYSICAL REFERENCE
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Optimization in One Dimension
6.2.1 Golden Section Search
6.2.2 Inverse Hyperbolic Interpolation
6.3.2 Brent’s Root Finding Method
6.4 Geophysical Examples of One-Dimensional Optimization
6.4.1 Raytracing in an Isotropic Medium
6.4.2 Phase and Group Velocities and Angles in An Anisotropic Medium
6.4.3 Raytracing in an Anisotropic Medium
6.4 Optimization in Multiple Dimensions
6.4.1 Fundamental Concepts
6.4.2 Concept of Conjugate Directions
6.4.3 Conjugate Gradient Methods
6.4.4 Variable-Metric or Quasi-Newton Methods
6.5 Numerical Implementations of Different Optimization Methods
6.6 Exercises
6.7 References
CHAPTER 7 LOCAL OPTIMIZATION METHODS IN GEOPHYSICS
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Formulation of the Problem
7.3.1 Model (Decision), Data, and Objective Spaces
7.3.2 Model to Data Mapping
7.3.1 The Jacobian of Frechet Derivative Matrix
7.4 Data and Model Covariance Matrices
7.5 Measurement of the Goodness of Fit
7.5.1 Data Resolution Matrix
7.5.2 Model Resolution Matrix
7.6 Regularization of the Objective
7.6.1 Fundamental Concepts
7.6.2 Formulation of the Regularized Objective
7.6.1 Derivation of the Jacobian for Regularized Objective
7.7 Computer Implementations of Different Methods
7.7.1 Conjugate Gradient Method
7.7.2 Steepest Descent Method
7.7.3 Quasi-Newton Method
7.8 Computational Issues
7.8.1 Computation of Jacobian
7.8.2 Numerical Computation and Computational Challenges
7.8.3 Efficient Computation of the Jacobian for Practical Optimization Problems
7.9 Applications of Local Optimization in Geophysics
7.10 Exercises
7.11 References
CHAPTER 8 GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION METHODS IN GEOPHYSICS
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 Non-uniqueness of Geophysical Optimization
8.1.2 Local Versus Global Optimization
8.1.3 Different Flavors of Global Optimization
8.2 Simulated Annealing
8.2.1 Theory
8.2.2 Computer Implementation
8.2.3 Geophysical Applications
8.3 Genetic Algorithm
8.3.1 Theory
8.3.2 Computer Implementation
8.3.3 Geophysical Applications
8.4 Overview of Other Global Methods
8.4.1 Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC) Method
8.4.2 Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)
8.4.3 Differential Evolution
8.4.4 Hybrid Methods
8.5 Case Studies
8.6 Exercises
8.7 References
CHAPTER 9 MULTI-OBJECTIVE METHODS IN GEOPHYSICS
9.1 Introduction
9.1.1 Why Multi-objective?
9.1.2 Traditional Way of Handling Multi-objective Problems
9.1.3 Need for Multi-objective Optimization
9.2 Pareto-Optimality
9.3 Dominance
9.4 Diversity Preservation
9.5 Definition of Model (Decision) and Objective Spaces for Multi-objective Optimization
9.6 Different Implementations of Multi-objective Optimization
9.6.1 Rank-based Implementation
9.6.2 Strength-based Implementation
9.7 Geophysical Applications
9.7.1 Estimation of the Transversely Isotropic Earth Properties
9.7.2 Estimation of the Orthorhombic Earth Properties
9.8 Computational Issues and Implementations in High-Performance Parallel Computing Environments
9.9 Exercises
9.10 References
CHAPTER 10 MACHINE LEARNING IN GEOPHYSICS
10.1 Introduction
10.1.1 What is Machine Learning?
10.1.2 Historical Perspective from Geophysical Point of View
10.1.2.1 Automatic First-break Picking
10.1.2.2 Estimation of Acoustic Impedance
10.2 A Simple Example of Machine-Learning
10.2.1 Writing "Hello World"
10.3 Artificial Neural Networks
10.3.1 Fundamental Architecture
10.3.2 Classifier Systems
10.3.3 The Delta-rule as the Fundamental Basis of Learning Algorithms
10.3.4 The Momentum and Learning Rate
10.3.5 Statistical Indices for Learning Rate Quantification
10.4 The Universal Approximation Theorem
10.5 Feed-forward Back-propagation (FFBP) Neural Networks
10.6 Optimization Procedure
10.6.1 Number of Hidden Layers
10.6.2 Number of Neurons Per Layer
10.7 Optimal Network Training
10.7.1 Training and Validation Errors
10.7.2 Number of Training Data
10.7.3 Over and Under Fitting Issues
10.8 Different Flavors of Artificial Neural Network
10.8.1 Competitive Network
10.8.2 Hopfield Neural Network
10.8.3 Generalized Regression Neural Network
10.8.4 Radial Basis Function Neural Network
10.8.5 Modular Neural Network
10.8.6 Convolutional Neural Network
10.9 Other Machine Learning Method
10.9.1 Extreme Gradient Boosting
10.9.2 Support Vector Machines
10.10 Geophysical Applications of Machine Learning
10.11 Future of Machine Learning in Geophysics
10.11.1 Full Waveform Inversion
10.11.2 Multi-objective, Multi-Physics, and Multi-objective Optimization Problems
10.12 Exercises
10.13 References
ISBN: 9781119654469
ISBN-10: 1119654467
Series: AGU Advanced Textbooks
Available: 9th July 2025
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 448
Audience: Professional and Scholarly
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc (US)
Country of Publication: GB
Edition Number: 1
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