Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Comparative Analysis Of The Use Of A Markov Chain Versus A Binomial Probability Model In Estimating The Probability Of Consecutive Rainless Days, Jack Wilfred Homeyer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Markov chain process for predicting the occurence of a sequence of rainless days, a standard technique, is critically examined in light of the basic underlying assumptions that must be made each time it is used. This is then compared to a simple binomial model wherein an event is defined to be a series of rainless days of desired length. Computer programs to perform the required calculations are then presented and compared as to complexity and operating characteristics. Finally, an example of applying both programs to real data is presented and further comparisons are drawn between the two techniques.