Using the exact Zoeppritz equations in pseudo-linear form: Inversion for density

Charles P. Ursenbach

A simple method is presented for inverting offset-varying amplitudes to obtain the density contrast across an interface. This method employs no approximations to the Zoeppritz equations, and may be applied to either conventional or converted-wave data. It consists essentially of solving a cubic equation for the density contrast, the coefficients of which are dependent upon amplitudes, velocities, and angles of incidence. These must be known or estimated beforehand. The effect of errors in the input are considered.