Subjectivity in a computer-assisted synoptic climatology II: Relationships to surface climate

✍ Scribed by Yarnal, Brent ;White, Dale A. ;Leathers, Daniel J.

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1988
• Weight: 708 KB
• Volume: 8
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 2314-6214
• DOI: 10.1002/joc.3370080302

✦ Synopsis

Earlier work has demonstrated that the results of a correlation-based (Kirchhofer) synoptic classification are dependent on the way that the internal parameters and data are used. In this study, varying classifications are compared to the climate at one location. The results show that associations between temperature and the synoptic patterns are usually physically interpretable and somewhat stable, whereas precipitation-synoptic type relationships are more difficult to explain and highly variable. We conclude that varying classifications do not produce equivalent synoptic climatologies. Furthermore, we know of no apparent objective or subjective means for determining a 'best' classification. Based on these findings, we discourage the use of correlation-based techniques in all but the most controlled situations.