Integrated Approach to 3D Near-surface Characterization

An integrated approach to 3D geologic and elastic characterization of the near surface is presented. The integration of high spatial resolution, relatively low-confidence remote sensing, and geologic data with sparse spatial resolution, high-confidence geophysical data in a GIS database allows for cross-calibration of both types of datasets, thus providing calibrated near-surface models. The method comprises the generation of a 3D near-surface geologic model, from which the input for a 3D elastic model is obtained. The elastic model is then calibrated with seismic data to provide the final 3D near-surface model. The method has been demonstrated at two case histories covering geomorphological features typical for desert areas in North Africa and the Middle East.