This book gives an introduction to the practical treatment of inverse problems by means of numerical methods, with a focus on basic mathematical and computational aspects. To solve inverse problems, we demonstrate that insight about them goes hand in hand with algorithms.

Addressing the problems of making inferences from noisy observations and imperfect theories, this 2006 book introduces many inference tools and practical applications. Starting with fundamental algebraic and statistical ideas, it is ideal for graduate students and researchers in oceanography, climate science, and geophysical fluid dynamics.

Geophysical Data Analysis: Discrete Inverse Theory is an introductory text focusing on discrete inverse theory that is concerned with parameters that either are truly discrete or can be adequately approximated as discrete. Organized into 12 chapters, the book’s opening chapters provide a general background of inverse problems and their corresponding solution, as well as some of the basic concepts from probability theory that are applied throughout the text. Chapters 3-7 discuss the solution of the canonical inverse problem, that is, the linear problem with Gaussian statistics, and discussions on problems that are non-Gaussian and nonlinear are covered in Chapters 8 and 9. Chapters 10-12 present examples of the use of inverse theory and a discussion on the numerical algorithms that must be employed to solve inverse problems on a computer. This book is of value to graduate students and many college seniors in the applied sciences.

Inverse problems need to be solved in order to properly interpret indirect measurements. Often, inverse problems are ill-posed and sensitive to data errors. Therefore one has to incorporate some sort of regularization to reconstruct significant information from the given data. A Taste of Inverse Problems: Basic Theory and Examples?presents the main achievements that have emerged in regularization theory over the past 50 years, focusing on linear ill-posed problems and the development of methods that can be applied to them. Some of this material has previously appeared only in journal articles. This book rigorously discusses state-of-the-art inverse problems theory, focusing on numerically relevant aspects and omitting subordinate generalizations; presents diverse real-world applications, important test cases, and possible pitfalls; and treats these applications with the same rigor and depth as the theory.

Discrete Signals and Inverse Problems examines fundamental concepts necessary to engineers and scientists working with discrete signal processing and inverse problem solving, and places emphasis on the clear understanding of algorithms within the context of application needs. Based on the original ‘Introduction to Discrete Signals and Inverse Problems in Civil Engineering’, this expanded and enriched version: combines discrete signal processing and inverse problem solving in one book covers the most versatile tools that are needed to process engineering and scientific data presents step-by-step ‘implementation procedures’ for the most relevant algorithms provides instructive figures, solved examples and insightful exercises Discrete Signals and Inverse Problems is essential reading for experimental researchers and practicing engineers in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, non-destructive testing and instrumentation. This book is also an excellent reference for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students in engineering and science.

While the prediction of observations is a forward problem, the use of actual observations to infer the properties of a model is an inverse problem. Inverse problems are difficult because they may not have a unique solution. The description of uncertainties plays a central role in the theory, which is based on probability theory. This book proposes a general approach that is valid for linear as well as for nonlinear problems. The philosophy is essentially probabilistic and allows the reader to understand the basic difficulties appearing in the resolution of inverse problems. The book attempts to explain how a method of acquisition of information can be applied to actual real-world problems, and many of the arguments are heuristic.

Provides a basic understanding of both the underlying mathematics and the computational methods used to solve inverse problems.