A statistical methodology for exploring elevational differences in precipitation chemistry

A statistical methodology for exploring the relationships between elevation and precipitation chemistry is outlined and illustrated. The methodology is only applicable to situations where the precipitation at two (or more) matched sites is correlated. Maximum likelihood tests are utilized, with contour ellipses of assumed bivariate log-normal distributions to assist in the interpretation. Data from 12 sites located in the southern Rocky Mountains of the U.S. were used for illustration. The results indicate differences in sulphate concentrations between airsheds, between snow and rain, and between higher and lower elevations in the Rocky Mountains. There are other approaches for investigating these issues, however,...

Categories: Publication; Types: Citation, Journal Citation; Tags: Atmospheric Environment, Elevation effects, likelihood ratio tests, sulphate