Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography [Hardcover]

W.J. Emery (Author), R.E. Thomson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0080314341 | ISBN-13: 978-0080314341 | Edition: 1st

Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography provides a comprehensive and practical compilation of the essential information and analysis techniques required for the advanced processing and interpretation of digital spatio-temporal data in physical oceanography as well as in other branches of the geophysical sciences.

This book assumes a fundamental understanding of calculus and is directed primarily towards scientists and engineers in industry, government and universities, including graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Spanning five chapters and numerous appendices, the book provides a valuable compendium of the fundamental data processing tools required by the marine scientist. The book begins with a detailed discussion of the instruments used to collect oceanographic data and the limitations of the resulting data. Data presentation and display methods are reviewed in chapter two. The remaining three chapters supply detailed information on a broad range of statistical and deterministic data analysis methods ranging from established methods such as Analysis of Variance methods and Principal Component Analysis, to more recent data analysis techniques such as Wavelet Transforms and Fractals. Each technique is illustrated by a worked example and a large number of references are given for the reader who may want to dig deeper into the subject. No other book of this type exists that brings together in one volume information on the measurement systems, data editing, data reduction/processing and analysis and interpretation. At present this information is scattered among numerous texts, reference books, primary publications, technical reports and other "gray" literature such as data reports. This book brings all of this information into a single volume which can act as a text for the neophyte or a reference volume for the experienced scientist. The book is both a guide and an encyclopedia to modern data processing methods in the geophysical sciences. The http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/isbn/0444507566 Second and Revised Edition of Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography will be published in March 2001.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...This is a very practical guide to the various statistical analysis methods used for obtaining information from geophysical data, with particular reference to oceanography...

The book provides both a text for advanced students of the geophysical sciences and a useful reference volume for researchers.

Aslib Book Guide Vol 63, no. 9
D.A. Jay
...This is an excellent book that I recommend highly and will definitely use for my own research and teaching.

EOS Transactions
A. Plueddemann
...In summary, this book is the most comprehensive and practical source of information on data analysis methods available to the physical oceanographer. The reader gets the benefit of extremely broad coverage and an excellent set of examples drawn from geographical observations.
Oceanography, Vol. 12, No. 3
P. Mofjelf
...Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography is highly recommended for a wide range of readers, from the relative novice to the experienced researcher. It would be appropriate for academic and special libraries.
E-Streams, Vol.2, No.8

Product Details

• Hardcover: 650 pages
• Publisher: Pergamon; 1st edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0080314341
• ISBN-13: 978-0080314341
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,315,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, November 10, 2000

By 

Frat Çng "Firochromis" (Ankara, Turkey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography (Hardcover)

In Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography, Emery and Thomson have drawn together a broad range of information on data analysis methods in a single volume. It is an excellent book for the experienced researcher as well as upper level undergraduates and graduate students. It could either serve as a textbook or as a reference handbook. The focus of the book is on application of methods and not just theoretical description. The material is presented in the same fashion that data is approached, from collection to analysis. Particularly useful is that each chapter provides background for the topics presented; setting a context for understanding the material.

The first chapter reviews the basics of statistical sampling and how various oceanographic data elements are collected. It describes in detail the various methods used for collection and their inherent strengths and weakness. The second chapter moves from collecting the data to processing and data presentation; including calibration, interpolation and a variety of presentation formats. The third chapter presents the standard statistical methods and procedures for error handling. The last two chapters cover the range of methods used for spatial and time series analysis of data. This includes not only long established methods but more recent methodologies, such as wavelet transforms, as well.

A bibliography and set of appendices complement the text, making the book an all encompassing reference work. The authors have created an extensive bibliography that enables readers to follow up with more specific readings. The appendices include units in physical oceanography, a glossary of statistical terms, statistical tables, and non-uniform numbers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just in time !, April 5, 2000

By 

C Domingues, Phys. Oceanog. student (Adelaide, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography (Hardcover)

We have no similar books in Physical Oceanography. It puts together the description of many useful techniques (including the modern ones) and it also considers pratical aspects of data collection and analysis. The text is easy to follow. The figures are very clear. Useful references are cited. Other geophysical areas can also benefit from it. Do I need to say something else !

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference for students and practicing professionals in oceanography, January 3, 2007

By 

Marcos M. Sastre (Portsmouth, RI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography, Second Edition (Paperback)

This is a must have for all field oceanographers. The material is well organized and clearly presented. Excellent companion for intro data analysis and observational physical oceanography texts.