A Forward Glimpse Into Inverse Problems Through a Geology Example

Abstract

This paper describes a forward approach to an inverse problem related to detecting the nature of geological substrata which makes use of optimization techniques in a multivariable calculus setting. The true nature of the related inverse problem is highlighted.

Keywords:

• Inverse problems
• geology
• seismology
• multivariable calculus
• optimization
• sound propagation

ACKNOWLEDGEDMENTS

The production of this material was supported (in 1996) by the National Science Foundation under Division of Undergraduate Education grant DUE-9352849: Development Site for Complex, Technology-Based Problems in Calculus with Applications in Science and Engineering and the Arvin Foundation of Columbus IN.