Extreme event propagation using counterfactual theory and vine copulas

Abstract: Understanding multivariate extreme events play a crucial role in managing the risks of complex systems since extremes are governed by their own mechanisms. Conditional on a given variable exceeding a high threshold (e.g.\ traffic intensity), knowing which high-impact quantities (e.g\ air pollutant levels) are the most likely to be extreme in the future is key. This article investigates the contribution of marginal extreme events on future extreme events of related quantities. We propose an Extreme Event Propagation framework to maximise counterfactual causation probabilities between a known cause and future high-impact quantities. Extreme value theory provides a tool for modelling upper tails whilst vine copulas are a flexible device for capturing a large variety of joint extremal behaviours. We optimise for the probabilities of causation and apply our framework to a London road traffic and air pollutants dataset. We replicate documented atmospheric mechanisms beyond linear relationships. This provides a new tool for quantifying the propagation of extremes in a large variety of applications.