Analysis of Climate Variability: Applications of Statistical Techniques

Various problems in climate research which require the use of advanced statistical techniques, are considered in this book. The examples emphasize the notion that the knowledge of statistical techniques alone is not sufficient. Instead, good physical understanding of the specific problems in climate research, such as the enormous size of the phase space, the correlation of processes on all time and space scales and the availability of essentially one observational record, are needed to guide the researcher in choosing the right approach to obtain meaningful answers. Aspects covered are the examination of the observational record based on instrumental and proxy data, the concept of stochastic climate models and the confirmation of dynamic climate models, the evaluation of forecasts and pattern-related analytical techniques such as empirical orthogonal functions, teleconnections, singular spectrum analysis and principal oscillation patterns. The book is a collection of the contributions given during an "autumn school" on "Statistical Analysis in Climate Research" supported by the European Community.