The Inversion Problem

The Inversion Problem involves trying to determine the internal properties of a system—like the Earth's interior—based on measurements taken from its surface or surroundings. For example, seismologists analyze how earthquake waves travel through the Earth to infer details about its internal structure. Since the available data are limited and indirect, reconstructing the exact internal features is complex and often involves solving challenging mathematical equations. Essentially, it's about working backwards from observable effects to uncover the hidden characteristics of a system's interior.