<p>There are times when any realistic 'answer' has to incorporate some degree of randomness. For example, when interpolating missing data in a rainfall time-series. You can do this 'informally', or through a slightly more rigorous 'Monte-Carlo' approach - there are several possible ways to deal with such problems. J.E. Gentle's book; <em>Random Number Generation and Monte Carlo Methods</em>, is a good read, although being 2003, it's starting to look a bit dated. But it's more than enough to get you started, and then the rest you can do with off-the-shelf software. </p>

<p>Alternatively, as Farrenthorpe points out, the Wikipedia reference may give you all you need to know.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-24T04:12:51.487Z
2016-08-24T04:12:51.487Z
Gordon Stanger
<p>I have come up with simulations which involves monte-carlo method that I am not fully aware of. I would be very happy if someone can help me with some references to read and learn. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T05:24:10.337Z
it can refer to sampling a dataset randomly many times to get a probability distribution.  see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo_method
f.thorpe
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T10:08:17.880Z
Can you provide examples?
Gimelist
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T13:54:16.420Z
Monte Carlo simulations are not necessarily specific to earth science applications - other applications include financial & social science modelling. It is an analytical/mathematical method that can be used to model possible outcomes based on applying probabilities of certain events occurring & running the calculations repeatedly many times with different values.
Fred
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T15:47:30.037Z
What exactly would you like to know that isn't covered in the wikipedia article linked by farrenthorpe (which, incidentally, is the first Google hit for "Monte-Carlo simulation")? As it stands, your question is far too broad for this site. Also, as noted by Fred, Monte-Carlo methods are used in a huge number of fields, so without some geoscience-specific context this question isn't really on topic here either.
Pont
<geophysics><sedimentology>
What is meant by Monte-carlo simulation? (would like an elaborated answer with some references)
Sandun M. Dassanayake
# What is meant by Monte-carlo simulation? (would like an elaborated answer with some references)

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-08-23)

I have come up with simulations which involves monte-carlo method that I am not fully aware of. I would be very happy if someone can help me with some references to read and learn.

**Tags:** geophysics, sedimentology

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: it can refer to sampling a dataset randomly many times to get a probability distribution.  see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo_method  
> **username_2**: Can you provide examples?  
> **username_3**: Monte Carlo simulations are not necessarily specific to earth science applications - other applications include financial & social science modelling. It is an analytical/mathematical method that can be used to model possible outcomes based on applying probabilities of certain events occurring & running the calculations repeatedly many times with different values.  
> **username_4**: What exactly would you like to know that isn't covered in the wikipedia article linked by farrenthorpe (which, incidentally, is the first Google hit for "Monte-Carlo simulation")? As it stands, your question is far too broad for this site. Also, as noted by username_3, Monte-Carlo methods are used in a huge number of fields, so without some geoscience-specific context this question isn't really on topic here either.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_5 on 2016-08-24. Score: 0

There are times when any realistic 'answer' has to incorporate some degree of randomness. For example, when interpolating missing data in a rainfall time-series. You can do this 'informally', or through a slightly more rigorous 'Monte-Carlo' approach - there are several possible ways to deal with such problems. J.E. Gentle's book; *Random Number Generation and Monte Carlo Methods*, is a good read, although being 2003, it's starting to look a bit dated. But it's more than enough to get you started, and then the rest you can do with off-the-shelf software.

Alternatively, as Farrenthorpe points out, the Wikipedia reference may give you all you need to know.


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