A method for the evaluation of global source and destination characteristics of geophysical data.

Abstract:

A method for the global analysis of geophysical data is presented. Using short-period Lagrangean
distances, calculated from a numerical model (ROMS) current data, a stochastic
transition matrix is constructed. Iteration methods for this last sparse very large matrix is used to solve
standard Markov chain problem of time of arrival and destination. The method permits the
identification of areas of influence, time of residence and connectivity between regions. Also the
computation of the selected eigenvectors of the stochastic matrix, using very large sparse systems
methods, permits the evaluation of global connectivity patterns and global areas of influences.
Application for the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Tropical Pacific circulation is presented.