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Double Mass Analysis With Examples Solutions

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Laarni D. Caranias
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9 views

Double Mass Analysis With Examples Solutions

Uploaded by

Laarni D. Caranias
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Double Mass Analysis with Examples and Solutions

Introduction
Double mass analysis (DMA) is used to assess the consistency of observational data over time. It is

especially useful for long-term hydrological and meteorological data to detect shifts caused by

changes in instrumentation, data collection methods, or environmental factors.


Basic Concept
The core idea behind DMA is to plot cumulative values of a data series (e.g., rainfall) against

cumulative values of a reference dataset. If both datasets are consistent, the plot should form a

straight line. Deviations from this line suggest possible inconsistencies in the data.
Example 1: Rainfall Consistency
A hydrologist wants to check the consistency of rainfall records at a local station from 1970 to 2020.

The reference dataset used is the average regional rainfall. By plotting cumulative rainfall at the

station against cumulative regional rainfall, a clear straight line appears from 1970 to 1990, after

which a deviation is observed.

Solution: The deviation suggests that after 1990, the station's instrumentation may have changed.

This anomaly can be corrected by adjusting the post-1990 data based on the slope of the pre-1990

line.
Example 2: Streamflow Data
A researcher is investigating the streamflow records of a river over a 50-year period. They compare

the cumulative streamflow data from the river with a nearby river that is hydrologically similar.

Solution: If the plot between the two datasets is a straight line, the data is consistent. However, if

deviations are found, corrections can be made by adjusting the slope of the inconsistent segment to

align with the consistent portion of the graph.


Correcting Data Inconsistencies
When deviations are detected in the double mass curve, corrections can be applied by adjusting the

slope of the deviating portion of the curve. This ensures that data from different time periods or

sources remains comparable.


Example 3: Climate Data Adjustment
A climatologist is examining temperature records over a 100-year period. Over time, measurement

methods have changed, causing inconsistencies in the dataset. A double mass analysis shows

deviations in the data starting in the 1980s.

Solution: The climatologist corrects the post-1980 data by using the pre-1980 data as a baseline.

The corrected data is then used in subsequent analyses.


Conclusion
Double mass analysis is a critical tool for maintaining the consistency of time-series data. By

identifying and correcting inconsistencies, researchers can improve the reliability of their data and

make more accurate predictions and analyses.

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