Definition
Any random process can, in principle, be represented by a computer program using pseudorandom numbers. If near-perfectly independent random numbers between 0 and 1 can be produced, appropriate functions of these numbers can simulate realizations of practically any probability distribution needed in technical and scientific applications. The development of Monte Carlo methods grew out of our ability to find those functions and algorithms.
The literature on Monte Carlo methods is vast, and the methods are many. We cannot cover everything here, but the intention is to provide a brief description of some of the most important techniques and their principles. After having reviewed basic techniques for random simulation, we shall move on to three high-level categories of Monte Carlo methods: testing, inference, and optimization. We shall also present some hybrid methods, as there is often no sharp borderline between the categories.
In the following, unless otherwise stated, we...
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Mosegaard, K. (2021). Monte Carlo Method. In: Daya Sagar, B., Cheng, Q., McKinley, J., Agterberg, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Mathematical Geosciences. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26050-7_431-1
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Monte Carlo Method- Published:
- 05 August 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26050-7_431-2
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Monte Carlo Method- Published:
- 28 August 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26050-7_431-1