Joint Inversion of Vp, Vs, and Resistivity at SAFOD

Seismic and resistivity models at SAFOD have been derived from separate inversions that show significant spatial similarity between the main model features. Previous work [Zhang et al., 2009] used cluster analysis to make lithologic inferences from trends in the seismic and resistivity models. We have taken this one step further by developing a joint inversion scheme that uses the cross-gradient penalty function to achieve structurally similar Vp, Vs, and resistivity images that adequately fit the seismic and magnetotelluric MT data without forcing model similarity where none exists. The new inversion code, tomoDDMT, merges the seismic inversion code tomoDD [Zhang and Thurber, 2003] and the MT inversion code Occam2DMT [Constable et al., 1987; deGroot-Hedlin and Constable, 1990]. We are exploring the utility of the cross-gradients penalty function in improving models of fault-zone structure at SAFOD on the San Andreas Fault in the Parkfield, California area. Two different sets of end-member starting models are being tested. One set is the separately inverted Vp, Vs, and resistivity models. The other set consists of simple, geologically based block models developed from borehole information at the SAFOD drill site and a simplified version of features seen in geophysical models at Parkfield. For both starting models, our preliminary results indicate that the inversion produces a converging solution with resistivity, seismic, and cross-gradient misfits decreasing over successive iterations. We also compare the jointly inverted Vp, Vs, and resistivity models to borehole information from SAFOD to provide a "ground truth" comparison.