North jump

North jump is called a (theoretical) problem in meteorology that results from the averaging from statistical wind data : The arithmetic mean from the cardinal directions 350 ° and 10 °, i.e. almost north , is 180 °, i.e. exactly south (350 + 10 = 360; 360/2 = 180). In this extreme example, the north wind theoretically becomes a south wind. This results from the fact that 360 ° on the compass rose is identical to 0 °. Simple averaging is therefore not permitted.

The remedy is the vector calculation (component decomposition):

${\displaystyle x=\cos \varphi }$

${\displaystyle y=\sin \varphi }$

${\displaystyle x}$and values ​​must be added separately and then converted back into polar coordinates accordingly . ${\displaystyle y}$