More on the four-parameter Kappa distribution

The generalized extreme-value has been the distribution of choice for modeling available maxima (or minima) data since theory has shown it to be the limiting form of the distribution of extremes. However, fits to finite samples are not always adequate. Hosking (1994) and Parida (1999) suggest the four-parameter Kappa distribution as an alternative. Hosking (1994) developed an L-moment procedure for estimation, Some compromises must be made in practice however, as seen in Parida (1999). L-moment estimators of the four-parameter Kappa distribution are not always computable nor feasible. A simulation study in this paper quantifies the extent of each problem. Maximum likelihood is investigated as an alternative method of estimation and a simulation study compares the performance of both methods of estimation. Finally, further benefits of maximum likelihood are shown when wind speeds from the Tropical Pacific are examined and the weekly maxima for 10 buoys in the area are analyzed.