In situ and satellite surface temperature records in Antarctica

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https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/annals-of-glaciology/article/in-situ-and-satellite-surface-temperature-records-in-antarctica/C42A5E8FEFADECCA0B51FF3102B4C3FF

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https://doi.org/10.3189/172756402781818003
 http://hdl.handle.net/11603/24298

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UMBC Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET)

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9606-767X

Date

2017-09-14

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journal articles
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Citation of Original Publication

Shuman, Christopher A., and Josefino C. Comiso. 2002. “In Situ and Satellite Surface Temperature Records in Antarctica.” Annals of Glaciology 34. Cambridge University Press: 113–20. doi:10.3189/172756402781818003.

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This work was written as part of one of the author's official duties as an Employee of the United States Government and is therefore a work of the United States Government. In accordance with 17 U.S.C. 105, no copyright protection is available for such works under U.S. Law.
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Abstract

Air-temperature records (Tᴀ) during 1992 from five inland Antarctic automatic weather station (AWS) sites were compared with the best available infrared temperatures (Tıʀ) from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) as well as calibrated passive-microwave temperatures (Tᴄ) from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I). Daily and monthly average Tᴀ, Tıʀ, and Tᴄ data indicate that each approach captures generally similar trends at each site but each approach also has limitations. AWS Tᴀ data are considered the most accurate but represent spatially restricted areas and may have long gaps due to sensor or transmission problems. AVHRR TIR data have daily variability similar to the TA record but have numerous small gaps due to cloud cover or observation interruptions. An offset between Tᴀ and Tıʀ (>4 K) at the South Pole site was identified that may be due to the inclusion of data with large satellite scan angles necessary to cover this area. SSM/I Tᴄ data have the most continuity but exhibit calibration problems, a significantly damped daily response and do not cover all of Antarctica. Individual daily differences between Tᴀ and Tıʀ as well as Tᴀ and Tᴄ can exceed 17 K, but all sites have mean daily differences of about 1 K or better, after compensating for the offset at South Pole, and standard deviations of <6 K. Monthly temperature differences are typically 5 K or better, with standard deviations generally <3 K. And finally, using the available data, the 1992 average temperature differences are <1 K.