Inverse Problems in Seismology

Inverse problems in seismology involve deducing Earth's internal structure from measurements of seismic waves generated by earthquakes or artificial sources. When seismic waves travel through the Earth, their speed and path change depending on the materials they pass through. Scientists analyze the recorded waves on the surface to infer properties like density, composition, and layer boundaries beneath the surface. Essentially, it's like solving a puzzle: observing the effects (seismic data) to determine the causes (Earth's internal features). This process helps us understand Earth's interior without direct access, using mathematical techniques to reconstruct models from surface measurements.