Articles | Volume 19, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-19-529-2012
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-19-529-2012
Research article
 | 
17 Sep 2012
Research article |  | 17 Sep 2012

Predictability of extreme values in geophysical models

A. E. Sterk, M. P. Holland, P. Rabassa, H. W. Broer, and R. Vitolo

Abstract. Extreme value theory in deterministic systems is concerned with unlikely large (or small) values of an observable evaluated along evolutions of the system. In this paper we study the finite-time predictability of extreme values, such as convection, energy, and wind speeds, in three geophysical models. We study whether finite-time Lyapunov exponents are larger or smaller for initial conditions leading to extremes. General statements on whether extreme values are better or less predictable are not possible: the predictability of extreme values depends on the observable, the attractor of the system, and the prediction lead time.

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