New method for permittivity and conductivity inversion of discrete layered earth

The paper presents a new method for inverting the permittivity and conductivity of systems of discrete layered media, where each individual layer is isotropic, homogeneous and characterised by its own permittivity and conductivity; the method also determines the physical thicknesses of individual layers. Compared to other methods, hitherto introduced by different authors, the new method is more accurate and yet much simpler. Besides, the new method which is based on fast Fourier transformation of surface-impedance data measured on top of a layered system, is associated with a new and elegant physical picture, where the transformed data are directly related to layer parameters. The authors thus proceed, in an iterative manner, determining the parameters of one layer after the other, starting from the top layer.