Comparison between inverse modelling and data assimilation to estimate rainfall from runoff using the multilayer perceptron

The ability of the multilayer perceptron to model the inverse relation of a fictitious watershed is investigated. Comparison is done between a new formulation of data assimilation and the standard multilayer perceptron applied to three kinds of models: static, feedforward and recurrent. It appears that both techniques are equivalent and allow a very good estimation of the inverse relation. This study aims at proposing methods to supplement or adapt historical databases to modern instrumentation. Datasets will thus be used over a longer time-series to better apprehend the consequences of global warming.