A simple stochastic weather generator for ecological modeling

A.G. Birt; M.R. Valdez-Vivas; R.M. Feldman; C.W. Lafon; D. Cairns; R.N. Coulson; M. Tchakerian; W. Xi; Jim Guldin

A simple stochastic weather generator for ecological modeling

Formally Refereed

Authors:

A.G. Birt, M.R. Valdez-Vivas, R.M. Feldman, C.W. Lafon, D. Cairns, R.N. Coulson, M. Tchakerian, W. Xi, Jim Guldin

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Environmental Modelling and Software 25(10):1252-1255

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Abstract

Stochastic weather generators are useful tools for exploring the relationship between organisms and their environment. This paper describes a simple weather generator that can be used in ecological modeling projects. We provide a detailed description of methodology, and links to full C++ source code (http://weathergen.sourceforge.net) required to implement or modify the generator. We argue that understanding the principles of weather generation will allow ecologists to tailor a solution for their own requirements. The detailed, repeatable methodology we present demonstrates that weather generation is relatively straightforward for ecologists to implement and modify.

Keywords

weather generator, climate, stochastic model, ecology

Citation

Birt, A.G.; Valdez-Vivas, M.R.; Feldman, R.M.; Lafon, C.W.; Cairns, D.; Coulson, R.N.; Tchakerian, M.; Xi, W.; Guldin, J.M. 2010. A simple stochastic weather generator for ecological modeling. Environmental Modelling and Software 25(10):1252-1255.