On 31 Jul, Johannes Wiedersich wrote: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > [snip] > > Sorry for joining this OT thread. > > Don't get misled by the subject; this has nothing to do with > mathematics: > > 1) stddev's only apply, if temperatures would vary statistically and > would therefore show a Gaussian distribution around a mean value. > Neither is the case. >
The definition of standard deviation has nothing to do with Gaussian distributions. It is arguable more useful if the variable varies randomly (Gaussian distribution). > 2) If temperatures would vary statistically, it would be enough to > give the stddev, because 'above' and 'below' would be the same value. > > The fact that 'above' and 'below' are generally different values, is a > direct hint that 1) does not apply. This is probably one of the > reasons why meteorologists give mean temperatures in January and July, > but no stddev. > > Johannes > One can certainly give the standard deviation of maximum and minimum temperatures. It may not be useful for calculating other figures of merit though, especially if the time interval considered is small. -Chris ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Christopher Judd, Ph. D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential or sensitive information which is, or may be, legally privileged or otherwise protected by law from further disclosure. It is intended only for the addressee. If you received this in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, please do not distribute, copy or use it or any attachments. Please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this from your system. Thank you for your cooperation. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
