Consistency and asymptotic normality of covariance parameter estimators based on covariance approximations

For a zero-mean Gaussian random field with a parametric covariance function, we introduce a new notion of likelihood approximations (termed pseudo-likelihood functions), which complements the covariance tapering approach. Pseudo-likelihood functions are based on direct functional approximations of the presumed covariance function. We show that under accessible conditions on the presumed covariance function and covariance approximations, estimators based on pseudo-likelihood functions preserve consistency and asymptotic normality within an increasing-domain asymptotic framework.