GeoPrior1D: An application for generating 1D geological and geophysical realizations of the subsurface

GeoPrior1D is an open-source tool for generating ensembles of one-dimensional (1D) geological and geophysical models that explicitly represent prior models for probabilistic inversion. Instead of relying on analytical prior expressions, GeoPrior1D defines priors through a probabilistic generator that produces random 1D realizations consistent with user-specified geological rules. These rules capture conceptual understanding of subsurface architecture — such as geological successions, layer thickness distributions, lithology–resistivity relationships, and groundwater levels corresponding to different geological settings. The resulting ensemble forms a statistically defined prior model that can be directly used in probabilistic inversion or uncertainty analysis. GeoPrior1D includes a graphical interface for configuration and visualization. It outputs reproducible HDF5 files and is implemented in MATLAB and Python under the MIT license. Together, these elements provide a transparent and flexible framework for linking geological knowledge with quantitative geophysical modeling.