Least‐squares collocation, geophysical inverse theory and geostatistics: a bird's eye view

Abstract

Geodetical least‐squares prediction and collocation, geophysical inverse theory, and geostatistics (the theory of regionalized variables) provide methods that from a theoretical point of view solve a common problem: a continuously defined spatial model is supported by only finitely many observations. The synopsis focuses on common methodological aspects as well as on differences in the underlying mathematical assumptions and their geological implications. Introductory examples familiarize with approaches specific to three earth science applications (least‐squares collocation of gravity anomalies, geostatistical estimation of mineral resources, and spectral interpolation of marine magnetic anomalies). Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved