Quasi-2D inversion of DCR and TDEM data for shallow investigations

Abstract

Joint or sequential inversion of direct current resistivity (DCR) and time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) data commonly are performed for individual soundings assuming layered earth models. DCR and TDEM have different and complementary sensitivity to resistive and conductive structures, making them suitable methods for the application of joint inversion techniques. This potential joint inversion of DCR and TDEM methods has been used by several authors to reduce the ambiguities of the models calculated from each method separately. A new approach for joint inversion of these data sets, based on a laterally constrained algorithm, was found. The method was developed for the interpretation of soundings collected along a line over a 1D or 2D geology. The inversion algorithm was tested on two synthetic data sets, as well as on field data from Saudi Arabia. The results show that the algorithm is efficient and stable in producing quasi-2D models from DCR and TDEM data acquired in relatively complex environments.