Inverse Methods for Parameter Estimations

Abstract Estimation of various flow and mass transport parameters can be seen as the inverse problem of groundwater modeling. In this article, current methodologies for parameter estimation are classified according to whether they consider the errors in observation data, in parameter structure, and in model applications. The structures of hydraulic parameters are usually very complex and unknown. This article gives an overview on adaptive parameterization methods for simultaneously identifying the parameter values, the complexity level, and the pattern of parameter structure. Methods for model reliability analysis are described. Finally, a generalized inverse problem is introduced that can find a representative parameter for a given model application.