A 3D Tetrahedral Mesh Generator for Seismic Problems

Abstract

Finite-element modelling of seismic wave propagation on tetrahedra requires meshes that accurately follow interfaces between impedance contrasts or surface topography and have element sizes proportional to the local velocity. We explain a mesh generation approach by example. Starting from a finite-difference representation of the velocity model, triangulated surfaces are generated along impedance discontinuities. These define subdomains that are meshed independently and in parallel, honouring the local velocity values. The resulting volumetric meshes are merged into a single mesh. The approach is flexible, efficient, scalable and capable of producing quality meshes.