Factor Analysis of Coastal Air Pressure and Water Temperature

Abstract

From an examination of the rotated factors produced by common factor analysis, a relationship between water temperatures measured at Blunt's Reef Light Ship and air pressure measured at Eureka, Calif., was isolated. Also water temperatures recorded at both Trinidad Head and Blunt's Reef were quite different as evidenced by differences in factor loadings. Furthermore, the magnitudes of the correlation coefficients between water temperatures and air pressure at most sites were quite small, suggesting a complex system of ocean-air interactions throughout the study area.