Detection of Abrupt Changes in Deep-Sea Sediment Cores: The Forward Problem

Abstract

Post-depositional processes alter climate proxy signals recorded in deep-sea cores. These processes along with timescale problems and measurement noise make the detection of abrupt events a difficult problem. The need for a dual approach which combines forward and inverse approaches is discussed. The forward approach is illustrated with examples of numerical solutions of an advection-diffusion equation representing bioturbation processes in a variable sedimentation rate environment. Requirements for a comprehensive inverse approach are also discussed.