Mapping ocean sediments by RBF networks

Abstract

Interpolation of sparse measurements of ocean-sediment properties by generalized radial basis function (RBF) networks is proposed. An RBF

network is able to generate a continuous smooth approximation for sediment properties as a function of the x-y-z position, where z is the sediment depth. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed, from both a physical and a computational viewpoint. An example using sediment density data obtained by sparse core measurements in a region of the Mediterranean Sea is presented.