Bayesian crustal structure inversion: an investigation of the feasibilities and limitations of the method

Abstract

S U M M A R YA procedure for the simultaneous determination of hypocentral coordinates and local earth structural parameters has been tested on synthetic arrival times and applied to a set of regional events. Since the theory of the method is based on the Bayesian estimation technique, attention was focused on the information already available on these parameters. It was noted that this prior information helps t o obtain the correct solution. The relative importance of prior information increases as the information content of observational data decreases. However, the simultaneous determination of two sets of unknown parameters, corresponding to hypocentral and structural parameters, alters the character of the problem to be solved, so that it is no longer only a question of location. In addition, a certain balance is required between prior information and the information provided by observational data, and prior information should not be used too specifically t o suppress the contribution of the data. Results from the real data are similar to those from the synthetic tests. Owing to the use of surface sources, however, the search, especially for layer thicknesses and depths, becomes laborious.