Author Description

Geostatistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the sampling, analysis, interpretation and display of phenomena that fluctuate in space. Although not all geostatistical methods are probabilistic in nature, the most important accomplishments in the field have been in estimation and forecasting, extending probabilistic methods of stochastic processes and time series analysis to the spatial domain. This book gives the only available comprehensive collection of definitions of geostatistical terms. It lists more than 600 entries selected from the book and journal literature through the end of 1989. Where appropriate, multiple meanings have been included for specific terms. Cross-references abound to help the reader when the definitions of a word leads to the search for other terms. Although all the definitions are in English, equivalent terms are provided in alphabetized lists in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. This volume will provide a useful reference for students, scientists, engineers, and others concerned with the meaning of terms found in the geostatistical literature and heard in professional practice. Definitions and entries have been prepared with multiple levels of rigor and complexity, in order to provide help to a readership that may range from inexperienced practitioners to advanced researchers.