MEASUREMENTS, MODELS, AND HYPOTHESES IN THE ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

Measurements in atmospheric science sometimes determine universal func tions, but more commonly data are collected in the form of case studie s. Models are conceptual constructs that can be used to make predictio ns about the outcomes of measurements. Hypotheses can be expressed in terms of model results, and the best use of measurements is to falsify such hypotheses. Tuning of models should be avoided because it interf eres with falsification. Comparison of models with data would be easie r if the minimum data requirements for testing some types of models co uld be standardized.