Gaussian process models—I. A framework for probabilistic continuous inverse theory

We develop a theoretical framework for framing and solving probabilistic linear(ized) inverse problems in function spaces. This is built on the statistical theory of Gaussian Processes, and allows results to be obtained independent of any basis, avoiding any difficulties associated with the fidelity...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical journal international Vol. 220; no. 3; pp. 1632 - 1647
Main Authors: Valentine, Andrew P, Sambridge, Malcolm
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: 01.03.2020
ISSN:0956-540X, 1365-246X
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:We develop a theoretical framework for framing and solving probabilistic linear(ized) inverse problems in function spaces. This is built on the statistical theory of Gaussian Processes, and allows results to be obtained independent of any basis, avoiding any difficulties associated with the fidelity of representation that can be achieved. We show that the results of Backus–Gilbert theory can be fully understood within our framework, although there is not an exact equivalence due to fundamental differences of philosophy between the two approaches. Nevertheless, our work can be seen to unify several strands of linear inverse theory, and connects it to a large body of work in machine learning. We illustrate the application of our theory using a simple example, involving determination of Earth’s radial density structure.
ISSN:0956-540X
1365-246X
DOI:10.1093/gji/ggz520