Shuffled complex evolution approach for effective and efficient surface wave analysis

► We proposed and tested a new Rayleigh wave dispersion curve inversion scheme. ► The proposed strategy is called the shuffled complex evolution (SCE) approach. ► The performance of the SCE approach is tested on synthetic models and field data. ► Comparison with genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and MPPD is made. ► Results demonstrate that SCE promises to be robust, effective, and efficient.