On the Uniqueness of the Singular Value Decomposition in Meteorological Applications

Qi Hu Department of Soil and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

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Abstract

The author revisits the singular value decomposition (SVD) method and shows that the nonuniqueness of the left and right singular vectors related to SVD posts limitations on applications of the method. Caution should be observed when the heterogeneous and homogeneous correlation maps are applied to interpret the relationship between two meteorological data series.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Qi Hu, Department of Soil and Atmospheric Sciences, 100 Gentry Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211.

Abstract

The author revisits the singular value decomposition (SVD) method and shows that the nonuniqueness of the left and right singular vectors related to SVD posts limitations on applications of the method. Caution should be observed when the heterogeneous and homogeneous correlation maps are applied to interpret the relationship between two meteorological data series.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Qi Hu, Department of Soil and Atmospheric Sciences, 100 Gentry Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211.

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