A layer-stripping fast algorithm for reconstructing an elastic medium from its compressional wave reflection response

A fast algorithm for recovering profiles of density and compressional (P) and shear-vertical (SV) wave speeds as functions of depth for the inverse seismic problem in a continuous layered elastic medium is obtained. This algorithm differs from previous fast algorithms for this problem since it requires only the compressional wave P-P reflection response at the surface of the medium, for three different slownesses or angles of incidence. Previous algorithms have required shear stress data in the form of the P-SV and SV-SV reflection responses, making them unsuitable for an ocean environment. This algorithm is thus much more suitable for reconstructing the ocean floor from pressure data taken in the ocean. The algorithm is exact, and it includes the effects of multiple reflections and mode conversions. A computer run illustrates the performance of the algorithm on synthetic data.