An analysis of the extension of Hamiltonian operators from lower order
to higher order of the matrix paves the way for constructing Hamilton
ian pairs which may result in hereditary operators. Based on a specifi
c choice of Hamiltonian operators of lower order, new local bi-Hamilto
nian coupled KdV systems are proposed. As a consequence of the bi-Hami
ltonian structure, they all possess infinitely many symmetries and inf
initely many conserved densities. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.