A comparison of an Optimal OA scheme vs a multiquadric scheme was done for an SST data set of the coast of California. Findings showed that there were significant differences in the representation of the field when various length scales and covariance functions were used. Both schemes seemed to be able to pick out the major features of the actual data. Conclusions Multiquadric interpolation of meteorological observations is a valid technique. A choice must be made - assume the statistics are known and model them better, or assume nothing and possibly miss things.
Bottom slides show the percent difference of the analysis from the true data.
References Cressman, G.P., An Operational Objective Analysis System , Monthly Weather Review, January, 1960. Carter, E., Notes on Optimal Objective Analysis , NPS OC 4331 class notes package. Nuss and Titley, Use of Multiquadric Interpolation for Meteorological Objective Analysis , Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 122, July, 1994. Nuss W.A., Reply , Monthly Weather Review, Vol.