Discrete Inverse and State Estimation Problems: With Geophysical Fluid Applications [Hardcover]

Carl Wunsch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521854245 | ISBN-13: 978-0521854245 | Publication Date: July 17, 2006

The problems of making inferences about the natural world from noisy observations and imperfect theories occur in almost all scientific disciplines. This book addresses these problems using examples taken from geophysical fluid dynamics. It focuses on discrete formulations, both static and time-varying, known variously as inverse, state estimation or data assimilation problems. Starting with fundamental algebraic and statistical ideas, the book guides the reader through a range of inference tools including the singular value decomposition, Gauss-Markov and minimum variance estimates, Kalman filters and related smoothers, and adjoint (Lagrange multiplier) methods. The final chapters discuss a variety of practical applications to geophysical flow problems. Discrete Inverse and State Estimation Problems is an ideal introduction to the topic for graduate students and researchers in oceanography, meteorology, climate dynamics, and geophysical fluid dynamics. It is also accessible to a wider scientific audience; the only prerequisite is an understanding of linear algebra.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Overall...a magisterial achievement. It will be valued as a well-organized handbook for practitioners, but also contains much wisdom and advice on the scientific method in general. ...exhibits...accurate balanced mastery of its subject and...distillation of scattered incoherent sources. The material is rigorous and technically challenging, but exposed as ultimately straightforward. Wunsch has succeeded in making this difficult subject accessible to mainstream students and researchers in many quantitative fields." - Thomas W. N. Hane, American Meteorological Society

Book Description

Addressing the problems of making inferences from noisy observations and imperfect theories, this 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521854245
• ISBN-13: 978-0521854245
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,215,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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