semivariograms

This form of interpolation is accomplished by fitting empirical models (known as semivariograms) to describe increasing variance between pairs of data points as a function of the distance separating them.

PLoS ONE Alerts: New Articles Keith A. Hobson et al. 2009

Now, plot the semivariograms for your above generated synthetic data, and see if it resembles any of Gavin's coloured curves, e.g. the one for the surface temp data.

RealClimate 2009

Now, plot the semivariograms for your above generated synthetic data, and see if it resembles any of Gavin's coloured curves, e.g. the one for the surface temp data.

RealClimate 2009

Now, plot the semivariograms for your above generated synthetic data, and see if it resembles any of Gavin's coloured curves, e.g. the one for the surface temp data.

RealClimate 2009

Now, plot the semivariograms for your above generated synthetic data, and see if it resembles any of Gavin's coloured curves, e.g. the one for the surface temp data.

RealClimate 2009

Parameter estimates for rational quadratic model semivariograms used for spatial interpolation of scaup pair counts in 1999 and 2000, from the May Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey doi: 10.1371/journal. pone.0007915.t003

PLoS ONE Alerts: New Articles Keith A. Hobson et al. 2009