The use of double mass analysis in testing the consistency of climatological records
Title | The use of double mass analysis in testing the consistency of climatological records |
Publication Type | Conference Proceedings |
Year of Conference | 1950 |
Authors | Diamond, M. |
Conference Name | 18th Annual Western Snow Conference |
Series Title | Proceedings of the 18th Annual Western Snow Conference |
Date Published | April 1950 |
Publisher | Western Snow Conference |
Conference Location | Boulder City, Nevada |
Keywords | Precipitation analysis, Statistical analysis |
Abstract | Double mass analysis was used to investigate the consistency of precipitation records in the Upper Colorado River basin. Residual mass curves, represented as the accumulated excess or deficiency of rainfall in relation to time, are plotted for each precipitation station's record. A horizontal curve indicates no major change in the average precipitation. Stations with nearly horizontal residual mass curves are used in preparing a precipitation base pattern. The precipitation record of a single station is plotted accumulatively against the accumulated precipitation base pattern. A straight double mass curve indicates a consistent precipitation record. A bend in the curve indicates that the records have been affected by artificial changes in exposure or observer. The results of the study indicate that double mass technique is reliable when there is a high correlation between factors being compared. |