waveform inversion

Waveform inversion is a technique used to create detailed images of the Earth's subsurface, similar to how medical ultrasound images work. It involves sending sound or seismic waves into the ground and recording how they bounce back. By analyzing the differences in the received signals, scientists iteratively adjust a model of the underground structure until the simulated waves match the actual recordings. This process helps reveal the composition, layers, and features deep beneath the surface, which is useful for resource exploration, earthquake analysis, and understanding geological formations.