Applications of Wave Propagation Simulation in Complex Geological Media

Since the advent of computers, numerical simulations have been enabling physicists to model phenomena in media where obtaining analytical solutions is infeasible. In seismology, advanced numerical methods are now available to accurately model the propagation of seismic waves in realistic geological media such as the global heterogeneous Earth and continental scale models, regional models of the crust and the upper-mantle, subsurface and basin models, soil and engineering structures, and rock samples. However, the model complexity which can be handled in practice is limited. Despite the considerable increase of computational resources, taking into account models with complex internal geometries and multiple scales is a great challenge. For instance, accurately simulating the interaction between seismic waves and small-scale features like inclusions, fractures and tangential contacts between interfaces may require extremely sophisticated meshing software and prohibitively high computational costs. Moreover, certain settings cannot rely on the classic acoustic/elastic wave equation and require a more complex physics (e.g., gravity, non-linearity, porosity) for explaining the observed data.

The goal of this Research Topic is to present applications of cutting-edge methods which address issues in handling physical and/or geological model complexity in full seismic waveform modelling. Because a significant amount of routinely recorded signals cannot be precisely understood using simple models, these methods are essential to push our knowledge of the Earth further. This may include innovative simulation schemes, meshing algorithms, and upscaling techniques. We welcome applications at all scales, from laboratory experiments to the whole planet. They can involve (but are not restricted to) faults and fractures, fluid-saturated media, rough interfaces, lithological and topographical site-effects, natural and induced earthquake ground motions, random media, coupled solid-fluid systems, and full wavefield imaging.

Topic Editor Martin van Driel is a co-founder of and currently a part-time employee at Mondaic AG. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.