Markov modeling for Bayesian restoration of two-dimensional layered structures

Bayesian estimation of two-dimensional stratified structures is described. The major point addressed is the derivation of a statistical prior model that adequately describes such layered media. This problem is of interest in applications in which the data are generally processed in one dimension only. In order to take local interactions into account, a Markovian description is used. The model is derived so as to fulfill a set of constraints that summarize physical and geometrical characteristics of the problem as well as practical requirements. The resulting class of Markov random fields presents a unilateral structure on a nonrectangular lattice and a hierarchical organization which involves a line process. In addition, it is shown to be an extension of one-dimensional models already in use. The properties of the model are investigated, and its practicality is demonstrated by an application to seismic deconvolution. Simulation results show significant improvements with respect to the usual one-dimensional methods