Document information

doi:10.1038/npre.2008.1826.1
Document Type:
Poster
Date:
Received 24 April 2008 13:18 UTC; Posted 24 April 2008
Subjects:
Earth and Environment
Tags:
Abstract:

Snow distribution and accumulation influence many human activities and the dynamic sustainability of ecological systems. Snow cover distribution analysis is a second research step towards creating a Atlas of Climate and Water Resources for SD (temperature analysis was presented last year). We analyzed the regional diversity of monthly total snowfall based on long-term data obtained from the High Plains Regional Climate Center for South Dakota. Multidimensional statistical methods were used, and the results presented for the State of South Dakota.

The sets of initial matrixes were compiled with snow observations for the state. The first type of initial matrix of time series {Xt*n}, where t = number of years (67) and n = number of meteorological stations (25), contains 25 stations with mutual observational interval (1931-1998) of 67 winters. The second type of initial matrix {Xt*m}, where t = number of years (67) and m = number of months in a year, included seven initial matrixes.

Statistical analysis allowed us to differentiate weather stations by temporal trends and spatial distribution for the time intervals 1931-1998. The average annual sum of total monthly snowfall (October-May) ranged from 25.5 to 53.5 inches for 25 stations trough this time interval. The most variable stations (Bowman Court House, Alexandria, Colony, Gordon, Clark, hot Springs and Eureka) were determined; their seasonality was described (the most variable months and correlation among months during period of snowfall) and their seasonal regime determined.

Presented at:
South Dakota Academy of Science 2008 93rd Annual Meeting, Chamberlain, SD, U. S. A., 05 April 2008

Discussion

Votes:

0 votes

(Login to vote)

Comments:

0 comments

(Login to post a comment)

(Login to share with a colleague)

Additional information

License:
This document is licensed to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
How to cite this document:

Shmagin, Boris and Johnston, Carol. Snow Cover in South Dakota: Statistical analysis of spatiotemporal diversity. Available from Nature Precedings <http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/npre.2008.1826.1> (2008)

Version info:

Other versions of this document in Nature Precedings

None.

Other versions of this document elsewhere on the web

None known.

Participate

Advertisement