Inverse Methods in Physical Oceanography [Paperback]

The work explores the potential for inverse theory which can combine observations of ocean circulation with numerical models.Observations of ocean circulation have increased as a result of international field programmes and of remote sensing systems on artificial earth satellites. Professor Bennett's work explores the potential for inverse theory, emphasizing possibilities rather than expedient or rudimentary applications.Observations of ocean circulation have increased as a result of international field programmes and of remote sensing systems on artificial earth satellites. Professor Bennett's work explores the potential for inverse theory, emphasizing possibilities rather than expedient or rudimentary applications.Professor Bennett's work explores the potential for inverse theory, emphasizing possibilities rather than expedient or rudimentary applications. In addition to interpolating the data and adding realism to the model solutions, the methods can yield estimates for unobserved flow variables, forcing fields, and model parameters. Inverse formulations can resolve ill-posed modeling problems, lead to design criteria for oceanic observing systems, and enable the testing of models as scientific hypothesis. Ocean models considered range from linear, finite-dimensional systems of equality and inequality constraints, to nonlinear, regional primitive-equation models. Examples from the recent oceanographic literature are analyzed, and several outstanding research problems are surveyed. The methods employ solution techniques including Kalman filters and smoothers, representer expansions and descent algorithms. Exercises of varying difficulty rehearse technical skills and supplement the central theoretical development.Preface; 1. Finite-dimensional inverse theory; 2. The smoothing of observations; 3. Data assimilation; 4. The spatial structure of the Kalman filter; 5. Generalized inverses of dynamical models; 6. Antenna analysis; 7. Nonlinear quasi-geostrophicló@