An improved LTI algorithm for multiphase raytracing in undulating surface model

Based on the linear traveltime interpolation (LTI) algorithm, we propose an improved LTI (referred as ILTI) algorithm for multiphase seismic ray tracing, which uses a velocity node in model parameterization and introduces secondary nodes between adjacent velocity nodes. To better fit the undulating surface model, an irregular velocity node is used in near the irregular interface, and regular velocity nodes are still used in the region far away from the irregular interface. We derive an iterative fixed-point formula for calculating traveltime. By combining multistage computational technology and wavefront narrowband expansion technology, the proposed ILTI algorithm can efficiently trace the multiphase seismic raypath and compute the corresponding traveltime field. Through comparison and analysis with the traditional LTI algorithm, its computational accuracy can be highlighted by at least one order of magnitude. Compared with the popular fast marching method (FMM) and irregular shortest-path (ISPM) algorithms, it also has the advantages in terms of computational accuracy and efficiency. Numerical simulations in the Marmousi model show that the algorithm is also suitable for tracking multiphase seismic rays in the complex velocity model.