Geophysical inverse methods for waveform data

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Using geophysical waveform data to form images of the subsurface is akin to computer tomography methods used in medical tomography. However, due to the limitations imposed by the earth's surface, by the dramatic complexities of structural geology, and other difficulties such as waveform attenuation and anisotropy, the geophysical imaging problem is inherently difficult.The more rigourous our modelling methods are, the better the quality of the information we discover about the subsurface. By using advanced forward and inverse modelling methods we can achieve unprecedented resolution from a wide range of geophysical experiments.Practical applications for these methods include deep crustal imaging (to learn about the roots of the continental and oceanic crust), exploration for hydrocarbons and mineral resources, and high resolution engineering surveys. Most recently, some of our geophysical methods are finding application in medical tomography (in the early detection of breast cancers).