Thursday, January 21, 2016

NASA, NOAA analyses reveal record-shattering global warm temperatures in 2015

Here is a Science Daily article about global warming.  It appears somewhat overstated.  My comments are in italics.

January 20, 2016
Source: NASA

Summary:  Earth's 2015 surface temperatures were the warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Earth's 2015 surface temperatures were the warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

A record since 1880 is not too impressive.  An increase of temperature that is notable since 1880 may be minor compared to temperature variations over much longer periods.  For example, here is an estimated longer term record.




This record suggests that we are currently in a warm period and that previous warm periods had even higher temperatures.  So much for “record-shattering”.  Should we be more worried about the current warm period, even if there is a positive increment for human activity, or a possible coming ice age?  Perhaps the latter?

Globally-averaged temperatures in 2015 shattered the previous mark set in 2014 by 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit (0.13 Celsius). Only once before, in 1998, has the new record been greater than the old record by this much.

Characterizing a 0.13C difference as “shattering” is rhetoric, not science.

The 2015 temperatures continue a long-term warming trend, according to analyses by scientists at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York (GISTEMP). NOAA scientists concur with the finding that 2015 was the warmest year on record based on separate, independent analyses of the data. Because weather station locations and measurements change over time, there is some uncertainty in the individual values in the GISTEMP index. Taking this into account, NASA analysis estimates 2015 was the warmest year with 94 percent certainty.

The record since 1880 is not “long-term”.  The uncertainty in the individual values cannot be properly converted into accurate measures of statistical significance without an accurate physical model of temperature.  Since the analysis is based on a statistical model, not an accurate physics model, there is model induced uncertainty that invalidates the accuracy of the statistical conclusions.  For example, the model does not explain the long-term temperature record, including ice ages, hence cannot accurately differentiate among temperature change causes or forecast a coming ice age.  Finally, the statement that "Taking this into account, NASA analysis estimates 2015 was the warmest year with 94 percent certainty." is not consistent with statistical theory.  

"Climate change is the challenge of our generation, and NASA's vital work on this important issue affects every person on Earth," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "Today's announcement not only underscores how critical NASA's Earth observation program is, it is a key data point that should make policy makers stand up and take notice -- now is the time to act on climate."

This is rhetoric, not science.

The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.0 degree Celsius) since the late-19th century, a change largely driven by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere.

This conclusion is in the absence of an accurate physics model of temperature change, hence is rhetoric, not science.

Most of the warming occurred in the past 35 years, with 15 of the 16 warmest years on record occurring since 2001. Last year was the first time the global average temperatures were 1 degree Celsius or more above the 1880-1899 average.

Not too impressive in light of the long-term chart above.

Phenomena such as El Niño or La Niña, which warm or cool the tropical Pacific Ocean, can contribute to short-term variations in global average temperature. A warming El Niño was in effect for most of 2015.

"2015 was remarkable even in the context of the ongoing El Niño," said GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. "Last year's temperatures had an assist from El Niño, but it is the cumulative effect of the long-term trend that has resulted in the record warming that we are seeing."

Weather dynamics often affect regional temperatures, so not every region on Earth experienced record average temperatures last year. For example, NASA and NOAA found that the 2015 annual mean temperature for the contiguous 48 United States was the second warmest on record.

NASA's analyses incorporate surface temperature measurements from 6,300 weather stations, ship- and buoy-based observations of sea surface temperatures, and temperature measurements from Antarctic research stations. These raw measurements are analyzed using an algorithm that considers the varied spacing of temperature stations around the globe and urban heating effects that could skew the conclusions if left unaccounted for. The result of these calculations is an estimate of the global average temperature difference from a baseline period of 1951 to 1980.

The “algorithm” is not a replacement for an accurate physical model, hence it introduces errors that are not reflected in the statistics.

NOAA scientists used much of the same raw temperature data, but a different baseline period, and different methods to analyze Earth's polar regions and global temperatures.

GISS is a NASA laboratory managed by the Earth Sciences Division of the agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The laboratory is affiliated with Columbia University's Earth Institute and School of Engineering and Applied Science in New York.


NASA monitors Earth's vital signs from land, air and space with a fleet of satellites, as well as airborne and ground-based observation campaigns. The agency develops new ways to observe and study Earth's interconnected natural systems with long-term data records and computer analysis tools to better see how our planet is changing. NASA shares this unique knowledge with the global community and works with institutions in the United States and around the world that contribute to understanding and protecting our home planet.

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