Introduction to the Mathematics of Inversion in Remote Sensing and Indirect Measurements

In this graduate-level monograph, S. Twomey, a professor of atmospheric sciences, develops the background and fundamental theory of inversion processes used in remote sensing — e.g., atmospheric temperature structure measurements from satellites—starting at an elementary level. The text opens with examples of inversion problems from a variety of disciplines, showing that the same problem—solution of a Fredholm linear integral equation of the first kind — is involved in every instance. A discussion of the reduction of such integral equations to a system of linear algebraic equations follows. Subsequent chapters examine methods for obtaining stable solutions at the expense of introducing constraints in the solution, the derivation of other inversion procedures, and the detailed analysis of the information content of indirect measurements. Each chapter begins with a discussion that outlines problems and questions to be covered, and a helpful Appendix includes suggestions for further reading.