[Geysers] Time code - Questions (and some opinions)

[JEFFREY CROSS]

Three points:

1) The only way to keep data is to record *direct observations.*

2) It seems that the problems you're experiencing with your notes and codes are happening because you're trying to do two things at once.

The 0000? code keeps the *computer* happy.

The statement "Beehive probably erupted overnight based on icy boardwalk and dry cone noted at 8am" keeps *people* happy.

Who are you keeping data for?

If your record is to be used by future researchers, then throw out the 0000? codes.  Nobody in the future will know what they mean.

If your record is to be used for data calculation, then keep whatever codes you want, but know that the data won't be worth much to anybody who cannot interpret the codes.

3) And don't base any calculations on eruptions for which there is only scanty evidence.  If someone's only 50% sure that a particular geyser erupted overnight, then treat the overnight period as a gap in the data.  That's 100% honest.

Jeff Cross
jeff.cross at utah.edu
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