Indicator: AAT-01 Monthly mean air temperature anomalies at Australian Antarctic stations
Data
Monthly mean air temperature anomalies - Mawson
Source: Department of the Environment and Heritage 2006, Indicator 1 - Monthly mean air temperatures at Australian Antarctic Stations, viewed 1 Jul 2006, http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/soe/display_indicator.cfm?soe_id=1
Monthly mean air temperature anomalies - Casey
Source: Department of the Environment and Heritage 2006, Indicator 1 - Monthly mean air temperatures at Australian Antarctic Stations, viewed 1 Jul 2006, http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/soe/display_indicator.cfm?soe_id=1
Monthly mean air temperature anomalies - Davis
Source: Department of the Environment and Heritage 2006, Indicator 1 - Monthly mean air temperatures at Australian Antarctic Stations, viewed 1 Jul 2006, http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/soe/display_indicator.cfm?soe_id=1
Monthly mean air temperature anomalies - Macquarie Island
Source: Department of the Environment and Heritage 2006, Indicator 1 - Monthly mean air temperatures at Australian Antarctic Stations, viewed 1 Jul 2006, http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/soe/display_indicator.cfm?soe_id=1
What the data mean
The monthly air temperature anomaly is calculated as the difference between the mean air temperature for a given month and the long-term air temperature for that calendar month between 1971 and 2000.
The data shows significant warming at Macquarie Island (over half a degree in 50 years). There appears to be no such trend at the other Antarctic sites. Although recent temperatures for Macquarie Island have decreased slightly, the overall warming trend there remains significant.
Data Limitations
Adjustment may be necessary for changes in site location or exposure, and for changes in instrumentation or observing practices.
Issues for which this is an indicator and why
Australian Antarctic Territory — Environment - Atmosphere, climate and oceans
This condition indicator is important in that it provides an indication of the impact of climate change on temperatures in Australia’s Antarctic Territory. This is particularly important for the flow on effects on ecosystems and the extent of ice and sea levels.
Other indicators for this issue:
- AAT-04 Concentrations of greenhouse gases
- AAT-05 Average deep water temperatures
- AAT-06 Average deep water salinity
- A-01 Annual variation in the Southern Oscillation Index
- A-12 Trend in the area of the ozone hole
Key
Links to another web site
Links to data in the DRS
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