Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences - Softcover

Wilks, Daniel S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0443490023 ISBN 13: 9780443490026

Publisher: Elsevier, 2026

Synopsis

Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences, Fifth Edition provides a structured exploration of the statistical techniques essential for analyzing atmospheric data. The book begins with foundational concepts in probability, setting the stage for more advanced topics. It then covers univariate statistics, including empirical distributions, parametric probability models, and both frequentist and Bayesian inference methods, offering tools for rigorous data analysis and interpretation. The text also addresses statistical forecasting and ensemble forecasting, along with methods for verifying forecast accuracy. In addition, time series analysis is explored in detail, enabling readers to understand temporal dependencies in atmospheric data.

The book advances into multivariate statistics, presenting matrix algebra and random matrices as mathematical foundations. It discusses the multivariate normal distribution, principal component analysis (EOF), and multivariate analysis of vector pairs to handle complex, multidimensional atmospheric datasets. Techniques for discrimination, classification, and cluster analysis are also examined, providing methods for categorizing and interpreting atmospheric patterns. Supplementary materials include example data sets, probability tables, and a glossary of symbols and acronyms, along with answers to exercises that reinforce learning.

• Facilitates understanding and use of applied statistical methods through rigorous yet conversational treatment of applied statistics
• Offers a unique, statistical approach to forecasting, ensemble forecasting, and forecast evaluation
• Allows readers to see the operation of various methods in an accessible and transparent way using small datasets

About this title

About the Author

Daniel S. Wilks is a Professor Emeritus at Cornell University and has been a Member of the Atmospheric Sciences faculty since 1987. His research focuses on the application of statistical methods for the quantification and analysis of uncertainty in meteorological and climatological data and forecasts. Dr. Wilks has taught courses on statistics in the atmospheric sciences and has been an Author or Coauthor of more than 100 peer-reviewed research articles.

From the Back Cover

Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences provides a thorough and structured exploration of the statistical techniques essential for analyzing atmospheric data, and forecasting atmospheric phenomena. The book begins with foundational concepts in probability, setting the stage for more advanced topics. It then covers univariate statistics, including empirical distributions, parametric probability models, and both frequentist and Bayesian inference methods, offering the tools for rigorous data analysis and interpretation. The text also addresses statistical forecasting and ensemble forecasting, which are crucial for predicting atmospheric phenomena, along with methods for verifying forecast accuracy. Time series analysis is explored in detail, enabling the readers to understand temporal dependencies in atmospheric data. The book advances into multivariate statistics, presenting matrix algebra and random matrices as mathematical foundations. It discusses the multivariate normal distribution, principal component analysis (EOF), and multivariate analysis of vector pairs to handle complex, multidimensional atmospheric datasets. Techniques for discrimination, classification, and cluster analysis are also examined, providing methods for categorizing and interpreting atmospheric patterns. Supplementary materials include example datasets, probability tables, and a glossary of symbols and acronyms, along with answers to exercises that reinforce learning. This comprehensive new edition equips researchers, students, and professionals with the statistical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze atmospheric data effectively and to contribute to the advancements in meteorology and climate science.

Edition details

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0443490023
• ISBN 13: 9780443490026
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 818