Utilizing the Ensemble Kalman Filter and Ensemble Kalman Smoother for Combined State and Parameter Estimation of a Three-Dimensional Towed Underwater Cable Model

Abstract

A finite difference method (FDM) solving the coupled partial differential equations governing three-dimensional (3D) motions of a towed underwater cable has been implemented in a combined ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS), as a new approach to combined state and parameter estimation for towed underwater cables. A simulation study of the method applied to a seismic streamer has been performed. Cable state variables as well as model parameters are estimated. Parameters estimated are crossline ocean current varying with time as well as cable tangential drag coefficient. The presented results indicate that the method is able to estimate state as well as parameters for seismic streamers.