2017-03-232017-03-231995-03BINI, Luis Mauricio; DINIZ FILHO, José Alexandre Felizola. Spectral decomposition in cluster analysis with applications to limnological data. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, Rio Claro, v. 7, n. 1, p. 35-40, mar. 1995.e- 2179-975Xhttp://repositorio.bc.ufg.br/handle/ri/11620The establishment of groups based on dendrograms obtained through hierarchical cluster analysis is usually done in arbitrary way. In this paper, it is presented a method to detect at which level of clustering there is a maximization of the correlation between the calculated distance matrix among sampling unities (or operational taxonomic unities – OTUS’s) an a model matrix obtained from the dendrogram. The method is ilustrated by grouping sampling stations of six streams in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) by ten physical-chemical parameters of the water. The final classification obtained is correspondent to the expectation based on the ecological status of the system and its level of pollution.engAcesso AbertoAnálise do agrupamentoClassificaçãoTeste de mentelNível de corteCluster analysisClassificationMentel testCut levelArtigo