On a recent development in stochastic inversion with applications to hydrogeology

TL;DR

This paper discusses the anchored inversion method for spatial stochastic inversion in hydrogeology, analyzing its development, interpretation, and recent advancements that have superseded it.

Contribution

It provides a critical analysis of the anchored inversion approach and highlights recent developments that have replaced it in practice.

Findings

The anchored inversion approach was a significant development in stochastic inversion.

Recent advancements have superseded the anchored inversion method.

The paper offers conceptual and technical insights into the method's evolution.

Abstract

We comment on a recent approach to spatial stochastic inversion, which centers on a concept known as "anchors" and conducts nonparametric estimation of the likelihood of the anchors (along with other model parameters) with respect to data obtained from field processes. The approach is called "anchored inversion" or, less desirably, "method of anchored distribution". Conceptual and technical observations are made regarding the development, interpretation, and use of this approach. We also point out that this approach has been superseded by new developments.