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Inverse Models:
A Necessary next Step in Ground-Water Modeling
Eileen P. Poeter1 and Mary C. Hill2
1. Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2. U.S. Geological Survey
1997, Ground Water, p. 250-260
ABSTRACT
Inverse models using, for example, nonlinear least-squares regression,
provide capabilities that help modelers take full advantage of the insight
available from groundwater models. However, lack of information about the
requirements and benefits of inverse models is an obstacle to their
widespread use. This paper presents a simple ground-water flow problem to
illustrate the requirements and benefits of the nonlinear least-squares
regression method of inverse modeling and discusses how these attributes
apply to field problems. The benefits of inverse modeling include 1)
expedited determination of best fit parameter values; 2) quantification of
the a) quality of calibration, b) data shortcomings and needs, and c)
confidence limits on parameter estimates and predictions; and 3)
identification of issues that are easily overlooked during non-automated
calibration.
mchill@usgs.gov
Last Modified: March 17, 1999
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