A Review Of Global Ocean Temperature.pdf (5.18 MB)
Download fileA Review Of Global Ocean Temperature Observations: Implications For Ocean Heat Content Estimates And Climate Change
journal contribution
posted on 2016-01-22, 00:00 authored by J.P. Abraham, M. Baringer, N.L. Bindoff, T. Boyer, L.J. Cheng, J.A. Church, J.L. Conroy, C.M. Domingues, W.J. MinkowyczThe evolution of ocean temperature measurement systems
is presented with a focus on the development and accuracy of
two critical devices in use today (expendable bathythermographs
and conductivity-temperature-depth instruments used
on Argo floats). A detailed discussion of the accuracy of these
devices and a projection of the future of ocean temperature
measurements are provided. The accuracy of ocean temperature
measurements is discussed in detail in the context of ocean
heat content, Earth’s energy imbalance, and thermosteric sea
level rise. Up-to-date estimates are provided for these three
important quantities. The total energy imbalance at the top of
atmosphere is best assessed by taking an inventory of changes
in energy storage. The main storage is in the ocean, the latest
values of which are presented. Furthermore, despite differences
in measurement methods and analysis techniques, multiple
studies show that there has been a multidecadal increase in
the heat content of both the upper and deep ocean regions,
which reflects the impact of anthropogenic warming. With
respect to sea level rise, mutually reinforcing information from
tide gauges and radar altimetry shows that presently, sea level
is rising at approximately 3 mm yr 1 with contributions from
both thermal expansion and mass accumulation from ice melt.
The latest data for thermal expansion sea level rise are included
here and analyzed.