The wrapped xgamma distribution for modeling circular data appearing in geological context

Abstract

The technique of wrapping of a univariate probability distribution is very effective in getting a circular form of the underlying density. In this article, we introduce the circular (wrapped) version of xgamma distribution and study its different distributional properties. To estimate the unknown parameter, maximum likelihood method is proposed. A Monte-Carlo simulation study is performed to understand the behaviour of the estimates for varying sample size. To illustrate the application of the proposed distribution, a real data set on the long axis orientation of feldspar laths in basalt rock is analyzed and compared with other circular distributions.