Statistical Downscaling and Bias Correction for Climate Research

A comprehensive and practical guide, providing technical background and user context for researchers, graduate students, practitioners and decision makers.

Douglas Maraun (Author), Martin Widmann (Author)

9781107066052, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 January 2018

360 pages, 81 b/w illus. 6 tables
25.3 x 17.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.88 kg

'A large variety of statistical downscaling and bias correction methods are used for connecting climate change with impact assessments. The new book by D. Maraun and M. Widmann provides a very useful overview of the methods and topics involved and gives guidance for future users. The demand for downscaled information is rapidly growing and this book helps with understanding assets and drawbacks.' Daniela Jacob, Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), Hamburg

Statistical downscaling and bias correction are becoming standard tools in climate impact studies. This book provides a comprehensive reference to widely-used approaches, and additionally covers the relevant user context and technical background, as well as a synthesis and guidelines for practitioners. It presents the main approaches including statistical downscaling, bias correction and weather generators, along with their underlying assumptions, skill and limitations. Relevant background information on user needs and observational and climate model uncertainties is complemented by concise introductions to the most important concepts in statistical and dynamical modelling. A substantial part is dedicated to the evaluation of regional climate projections and their value in different user contexts. Detailed guidelines for the application of downscaling and the use of downscaled information in practice complete the volume. Its modular approach makes the book accessible for developers and practitioners, graduate students and experienced researchers, as well as impact modellers and decision makers.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
Part I. Background and Fundamentals: 2. Regional climate
3. History of downscaling
4. Rationale of downscaling
5. User needs
6. Mathematical and statistical methods
7. Reference observations
8. Climate modelling
9. Uncertainties
Part II. Statistical Downscaling Concepts and Methods: 10. Structure of statistical downscaling methods
11. Perfect prognosis
12. Model output statistics
13. Weather generators
14. Other approaches
Part III. Downscaling in Practice and Outlook: 15. Evaluation
16. Performance of statistical downscaling
17. A regional modelling debate
18. Use of downscaling in practice
19. Outlook
Appendix A. Methods used in this book
Appendix B. Useful resources
References
Index.

Subject Areas: The environment [RN], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK], Atmospheric physics [PHVJ], Probability & statistics [PBT]