Contrast Between 2D Inversion and 3D Inversion Based on 2D High-density Resistivity Data

Currently, geological structure is generally modeled in two-dimensions (2D) when 2D high-density resistivity data are processed. However, actual geological bodies are three-dimensional (3D), and therefore 2D interpretations are only approximate. The calculation of accuracy and effect of inversion will be limited by the 2D modeling assumption. This paper presents two simple geological body models and adopts a finite-element method for the forward simulation of apparent resistivity data. 1% Gaussian random error was added in the forward models and then 2D and 3D inversions using a high-density resistivity method were undertaken to realistically simulate field data and analyze the sensitivity of the 2D and 3D inversion algorithms to noise. Contrasts between the 2D and 3D inversion results show that the 3D inversion was less affected by Gaussian random errors and the inversion results were closer to the geological models.