Co. Hines et al., ON THE ANALYSIS OF GEOPHYSICAL-DATA FOR AN UNKNOWN CONSTANT, EXEMPLIFIED BY THE PROBLEM OF THE O-O COLLISION CROSS-SECTION(), Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics, 59(2), 1997, pp. 181-189
Geophysical data that are employed to determine some constant paramete
r are often subjected to a least-squares method of analysis. Uncritica
l use of this method has been found to be inappropriate. An alternativ
e method, based on the analysis of the errors that must be associated
with any chosen method of data reduction, is recommended in its place.
The relevant principles are exemplified by the currently active probl
em of the O+-O collision cross-section as determined from aeronomic me
asurements. These principles lead to specific recommendations for futu
re data analysis in this area. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd
.