HR: 0800h
AN: S31B-1049    [Abstracts]
TI: Accuracy & Computational Considerations for Wide--Angle One--way Seismic Propagators and Multiple Scattering by Invariant Embedding
AU: * Thomson, C J
EM: thomson@geol.queensu.ca
AF: Queen's University, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering Dept., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
AB: Pseudodifferential operators (PSDOs) yield in principle exact one--way seismic wave equations, which are attractive both conceptually and for their promise of computational efficiency. The one--way operators can be extended to include multiple--scattering effects, again in principle exactly. In practice approximations must be made and, as an example, the variable--wavespeed Helmholtz equation for scalar waves in two space dimensions is here factorized to give the one--way wave equation. This simple case permits clear identification of a sequence of physically reasonable approximations to be used when the mathematically exact PSDO one--way equation is implemented on a computer. As intuition suggests, these approximations hinge on the medium gradients in the direction transverse to the main propagation direction. A key point is that narrow--angle approximations are to be avoided in the interests of accuracy. Another key consideration stems from the fact that the so--called ``standard--ordering'' PSDO indicates how lateral interpolation of the velocity structure can significantly reduce computational costs associated with the Fourier or plane--wave synthesis lying at the heart of the calculations. The decision on whether a slow or a fast Fourier transform code should be used rests upon how many lateral model parameters are truly distinct. A third important point is that the PSDO theory shows what approximations are necessary in order to generate an exponential one--way propagator for the laterally varying case, representing the intuitive extension of classical integral--transform solutions for a laterally homogeneous medium. This exponential propagator suggests the use of larger discrete step sizes, and it can also be used to approach phase--screen like approximations (though the latter are not the main interest here). Numerical comparisons with finite--difference solutions will be presented in order to assess the approximations being made and to gain an understanding of computation time differences. The ideas described extend to the three--dimensional, generally anisotropic case and to multiple scattering by invariant embedding.
DE: 7260 Theory and modeling
DE: 7203 Body wave propagation
SC: Seismology [S]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting