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Statistical analysis of temperature changes in israel: an application of change point detection and estimation techniques

Paper Topic: 
General
 
Volume: 
 
Issue: 
 

Pages :
215 - 228

Authors: 
Gurevich G., Hadad Y,. Ofir A and Ohayon B.
Paper ID: 
803
Paper Status: 
Published
Abstract: 

The main goal of this study is to present and apply recently developed nonparametric change point
detection and estimation techniques for confirming patterns of regional changes in temperature.
Utilizing these methods, monthly temperatures (mean, mean maximum, mean minimum) and diurnal
temperature ranges in different regions of Israel have been investigated over a period of 37-years,
(1967-2003). The results were supported also by traditional statistical methods. The temperature
and the diurnal temperature range analyses reveal a complex pattern of change. In particular, we
found an increase in the monthly mean temperatures in the warm season in all areas of Israel
approximately from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, namely, the summers have become warmer.
Also detected was a significant increase in the monthly mean minimum temperature in Israel's
coastal plain area for all months of the year. Whereas, in mountainous and desert areas a significant
increase in the monthly mean minimum temperature was detected only in months of the warm
season. The winters have become warmer in the Israeli coastal plain and have not significantly
changed in its mountainous and desert areas. In addition, in Israel's coastal plain the monthly mean
DTRs are decreasing, while in mountainous and desert areas the situation is reversed, that is,
monthly mean DTRs are increasing.

Keywords: 
Regional Climatic Changes, Diurnal Temperature Range, Change Point Analysis, Temperature Trends