Review of Parameter Identification Procedures in Groundwater Hydrology: The Inverse Problem

The purpose of this survey is to review parameter identification procedures in groundwater hydrology and to examine computational techniques which have been developed to solve the inverse problem. Parameter identification methods are classified under the error criterion used in the formulation of the inverse problem. The problem of ill‐posedness in connection with the inverse problem is addressed. Typical inverse solution techniques are highlighted. The review also includes the evaluation of methods used for computing the sensitivity matrix. Statistics which can be used to estimate the parameter uncertainty are outlined. Attempts have been made to compare and contrast representative inverse procedures, and direction for future research is suggested.