Inverse Methods in Physical Oceanography

The work explores the potential for inverse theory which can combine observations of ocean circulation with numerical models.

Andrew F. Bennett (Author)

9780521055284, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 January 2008

368 pages, 102 b/w illus. 9 tables
22.8 x 15.1 x 2 cm, 0.553 kg

'… can be warmly recommended to every reader and library.' Mitteilungen German Geophysical Society

Observations of ocean circulation have increased as a result of international field programmes and of remote sensing systems on artificial earth satellites. Oceanographers are increasingly turning to inverse methods for combining these observations with numerical models of ocean circulation. 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 modelling problems, lead to design criteria for oceanic observing systems, and enable the testing of models as scientific hypothesis. Exercises of varying difficulty rehearse technical skills and supplement the central theoretical development. Thus this book will be invaluable for environmental scientists and engineers, advanced undergraduates in applied mathematics, and graduate students in physical oceanography.

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-geostrophic models
8. Open-ocean modeling: quasi-geostrophy
9. Primitive-equation models
10. Outstanding problems
Bibliography
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Applied mathematics [PBW]