Inverse problem and geomechanics

Inverse problem theory has been used for decades in geophysics to image the elastic and electrical properties of the earth from the kilometric scale of a reservoir in the subsurface, to the scale of the whole planet. Similar methods can also be developed for characterizing the geomechanics of the subsurface: the faulting process during earthquakes is for instance inferred from the inversion of seismological and geodetical measurements of surface ground deformation. However, the mechanical state of deep rocks (strength, stress and pore pressure conditions) is still difficult to capture by such approaches, slowing the development of carbon-free energy projects such as deep geothermal exploitation. Recent studies have demonstrated that other data, such as strains, stresses and pore fluid pressure measurements could provide complementary insights into the understanding of geomechanical systems at the decametric or laboratory centimetric scales. Meanwhile, important advances in solving inve