Spatial interpolation of daily meteorological data

E.G. Beek, 1991. Spatial interpolation of daily meteorological data; theoretical evaluation of available techniques. Wageningen (The Netherlands), DLO The Winand Staring Centre. Report 53.1.44 pp.; 13 Figs; 1 Table; 20 Refs. In agromcteorological crop yield models meteorological values at not observed points have to be obtained by means of interpolation techniques. In this study, interpolation onto a 50 x 50 km grid of meteorological data for Europe was demanded. The choise of the appropriate interpolation technique depends on the spatial character of the variable. The spatial and temporal character of daily means of meteorological data in North-Western Europe is described. Europe is dominated by extensive and local circulation systems. On daily base most meteorological variables do not show great differences for distances between 50-100 km and simple interpolation techniques can be used. Rainfall, however, has a high variable spatial and temporal variable. Rainfall amounts, therefore, should be interpolated by means of stochastic interpolation techniques such as kriging.