Neighborhood Gradient Analysis: Examination of Variance in North Central Oklahoma Rainfall Statistics

Abstract

A method called Neighborhood Gradient Analysis is used to examine the variance in precipitation statistics for a neighborhood of Stillwater, Okla. The method uses: 1) radial geometry with respect to a ?target? area (Stillwater), 2) yearly precipitation differences and gradients in a neighborhood of Stillwater, and 3) statistical behavior of the neighborhood over the years 1950?71. It is shown through use of correlation coefficients that year-to-year variation in precipitation contributes more to the variance statistic than does station-to-station variation during the same one year intervals. Using that information, it is shown, for, example, that 10% increase (or lack of it) in Stillwater precipitation can be observed at a more than one standard deviation significance in three years' time.