Initial velocity model construction of seismic tomography in near-surface applications

The impact of initial velocity models on final image reconstruction results and how to construct a proper initial velocity model in near-surface tomography studies are investigated on a two-layer synthetic model with gradually increasing velocity with depth. Refraction initial velocity models and linear velocity function models are tested on both synthetic and field data to obtain images close to reality. It is concluded that velocity function type initial models should be preferred in soft alluvial deposits that exist within the investigated depths, whereas refraction initial models should be preferred in the groundwater table or with strong refractors' existence within the investigated depths to obtain optimum subsurface images in refraction–diving wave seismic tomography.