Local and global optimization methods are widely used in geophysical inversion but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The combination of the two methods will make it possible to overcome their weaknesses. Based on the simulated annealing genetic algorithm （SAGA） and the simplex algorithm, an efficient and robust 2-D nonlinear method for seismic travel-time inversion is presented in this paper. First we do a global search over a large range by SAGA and then do a rapid local search using the simplex method. A multi-scale tomography method is adopted in order to reduce non-uniqueness. The velocity field is divided into different spatial scales and velocities at the grid nodes are taken as unknown parameters. The model is parameterized by a bi-cubic spline function. The finite-difference method is used to solve the forward problem while the hybrid method combining multi-scale SAGA and simplex algorithms is applied to the inverse problem. The algorithm has been applied to a numerical test and a travel-time perturbation test using an anomalous low-velocity body. For a practical example, it is used in the study of upper crustal velocity structure of the A＇nyemaqen suture zone at the north-east edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The model test and practical application both prove that the method is effective and robust.
