Global surface temperature

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
tree rings, corals, and ice cores.[1] The red line shows direct surface temperature measurements since 1880.[2]

Global surface temperature (GST) refers to the average temperature of

tree rings, corals, and ice cores.[1] Observing the rising GST over time is one of the many lines of evidence supporting the scientific consensus on climate change, which is that human activities are causing climate change
.

Alternative terms for the same thing are global mean surface temperature (GMST) or global average surface temperature.

Series of reliable global temperature measurements began in the 1850—1880 time frame (this is called the instrumental temperature record). Through 1940, the average annual temperature increased, but was relatively stable between 1940 and 1975. Since 1975, it has increased by roughly 0.15 °C to 0.20 °C per decade, to at least 1.1 °C (1.9 °F) above 1880 levels.[3] The current annual GMST is about 15 °C (59 °F),[4] though monthly temperatures can vary almost 2 °C (4 °F) above or below this figure.[5]

Definition

The

near-surface air temperatures over land and sea ice, and sea surface temperature (SST) over ice-free ocean regions, with changes normally expressed as departures from a value over a specified reference period".[6]
: 2231 

In comparison, the global mean surface air temperature (GSAT) is the "global average of near-surface air temperatures over land, oceans and sea ice. Changes in GSAT are often used as a measure of global temperature change in climate models."[6]: 2231 

Relevance

Changes in global temperatures over the past century provide evidence for the effects of increasing

humans are causing warming of Earth's climate system.

Projected global surface temperature changes relative to 1850–1900, based on CMIP6
multi-model mean changes

Measurement and calculation

The global surface temperature (GST) is calculated by averaging the temperatures over sea (

surface air temperature
).

Surface air temperature change over the past 50 years.[7]

Instrumental temperature records are based on direct, instrument-based measurements of air temperature and ocean temperature, unlike indirect reconstructions using climate proxy data such as from tree rings and ocean sediments.[8] The longest-running temperature record is the Central England temperature data series, which starts in 1659. The longest-running quasi-global records start in 1850.[9] Temperatures on other time scales are explained in global temperature record.

"Global temperature" can have different definitions. There is a small difference between air and surface temperatures.[10]: 12 

Observations

Over the last 50 years the Arctic has warmed the most, and temperatures on land have generally increased more than sea surface temperatures.[11]

Global warming affects all parts of Earth's climate system.[12] Global surface temperatures have risen by 1.1 °C (2.0 °F). Scientists say they will rise further in the future.[13][14] The changes in climate are not uniform across the Earth. In particular, most land areas have warmed faster than most ocean areas. The Arctic is warming faster than most other regions.[15] Night-time temperatures have increased faster than daytime temperatures.[16] The impact on nature and people depends on how much more the Earth warms.[17]: 787 

Scientists use several methods to predict the effects of human-caused climate change. One is to investigate past natural changes in climate.
mid-Pliocene. This was around 3 million years ago.[21]: 322  At that time, mean global temperatures were about 2–4 °C (3.6–7.2 °F) warmer than pre-industrial temperatures. The global mean sea level was up to 25 metres (82 ft) higher than it is today.[22]: 323  The modern observed rise in temperature and CO2 concentrations has been rapid. even abrupt geophysical events in Earth's history do not approach current rates.[23]
: 54 

Effects

Effects of

forest fires, thawing permafrost, and desertification. These changes can profoundly impact ecosystems and societies, and can become irreversible once tipping points
are crossed.

The effects of climate change vary in timing and location. Up until now the

ocean currents.[24]: 10  The ocean is also acidifying as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.[25]

positive feedbacks that amplify climate change.[29]
The ecosystems most immediately threatened by climate change are in the
Amazon Rainforest.[32]: 9  At 2 °C (3.6 °F) of warming, around 10% of species on land would become critically endangered.[33]
: 259 

See also

References

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