Kuglitsch, F. G., R. Auchmann, R. Bleisch, S. Brönnimann, O. Martius, and M. Stewart, 2012: Break detection of annual Swiss temperature series. J. Geophys. Res., 117, D13105, doi: 10.1029/2012JD017729.
Abstract. Instrumental temperature series are often affected by artificial breaks (“break points”) due to (e.g.,) changes in station location, land-use, or instrumentation. The Swiss climate observation network offers a high number and density of stations, many long and relatively complete daily to sub-daily temperature series, and well-documented station histories (i.e., metadata). However, for many climate observation networks outside of Switzerland, detailed station histories are missing, incomplete, or inaccessible. To correct these records, the use of reliable statistical break detection methods is necessary. Here, we apply three statistical break detection methods to high-quality Swiss temperature series and use the available metadata to assess the methods. Due to the complex terrain in Switzerland, we are able to assess these methods under specific local conditions such as the Foehn or crest situations. We find that the temperature series of all stations are affected by artificial breaks (average = 1 break point / 48 years) with discrepancies in the abilities of the methods to detect breaks. However, by combining the three statistical methods, almost all of the detected break points are confirmed by metadata. In most cases, these break points are ascribed to a combination of factors in the station history.
By T. Otally Independent and Andy Editor
This is clearly an important study, especially at the time, showing on real data that break detection works for the Swiss network. The high quality of the Swiss metadata make this paper extra valuable.
Our apologies for assessment 3 by Mock Adriansen. It does not show much engagement with the study and the arguments are not pertinent. As such it will be ignored for this synthesis. If this had not been a mock example it would even be removed.
Having read the assessments by Victor Venema and Adrian Mockton the arguments seem to be valid and we see no reason to deviate from the proposed grades.
Impact on the larger scientific community. [60]
Contribution to the scientific field of the journal. [75]
The technical quality of the paper. [70]
Importance at the time of publishing. [80]
Importance of the research program. [-]