Variation of uncertainty and resolution with problem formulation in continuous geoacoustic inversion.

Abstract

In continuous geoacoustic inversion, the resolution and uncertainty of the estimated ocean bottom are inherently linked by a tradeoff with each other. They also depend on the experiment geometry and the choice of formulation for the data and for the bottom model. For example, the resolution and variance will differ if the data are represented by an intensity envelope timeseries or a tau-p timeseries, or if wave slowness or bottom impedance is estimated. Previous work by the authors investigated variations in resolution and uncertainty with geometry and problem formulation based on linearization of the geoacoustic problem at a given solution. However, the problem is further complicated by the fact that the solution point itself can also depend on the geometry and data and model formulation so that the resolution and uncertainty vary for that reason also. This aspect of the nonlinear geoacoustic inverse problem is explored here. [Work supported by ONR.]