Inversion of seismic refraction data using genetic algorithms

The use of genetic algorithms in geophysical inverse problems is a relatively recent development and offers many advantages in dealing with the nonlinearity inherent in such applications. However, in their application to specific problems, as with all algorithms, problems of implementation arise. After extensive numerical tests, we implemented a genetic algorithm to efficiently invert several sets of synthetic seismic refraction data. In particular, we aimed at overcoming one of the main problems in the application of genetic algorithms to geophysical problems: i.e., high dimensionality. The addition of a pseudo-subspace method to the genetic algorithm, whereby the complexity and dimensionality of a problem is progressively increased during the inversion, improves the convergence of the process. The method allows the region of the solution space containing the global minimum to be quickly found. The use of local optimization methods at the last stage of the search further improves the quality of the inversion. The genetic algorithm has been tested on a field data set to determine the structure and base of the weathered layer (regolith) overlaying a basement of granite and greenstones in an Archaean terrain of Western Australia.