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An Investigative Study of the January Thaw Phenomenon

An Investigative Study of the January Thaw Phenomenon

Abstract:

A broad investigation of the January thaw phenomenon, a period of unseasonable warmth, was conducted
using daily maximum temperatures recorded at New Brunswick, N.J. from 1858-1976. Student’s t-tests
comparing long period means of maximum temperature to values form a fitted ‘seasonal trend curve’ indicate
temperatures higher, on the 22nd-23rd, and lower, on the 29th, than seasonally expected. Binomial tests
verified these at the 5% level. A thaw index was derived. The relationship of thaw intensity to zonal indices
and mean monthly temperatures was investigated using contingency, correlation, and student’s test analyses.

Author:
Lanzante, John R.

Publisher:
Rutgers University

Publication Date:
1978/04/01

Publication Place:
New Brunswick, New Jersey

Department:
Cook College, Department of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography

Institution:
Rutgers University

Supplemental Information:
44 p., tables, graphs

Other Citation Details:
George H. Cook Honors Thesis written under the direction of Professor Robert P. Harnack.
Cook Scholar Papers are non-circulating and must be viewed at Rutgers University.

Type of Document:
Thesis – Undergraduate Honors

Document Location:
Chang Cook LD4751.25.G478, v.11, pt.2

URL: