| Summary: | Progress Code: onGoing Statement: This indicator is now OBSOLETE. These data are no longer archived in this location, and are therefore not up-to-date. Temperature varies systematically across the Southern Ocean, as a series of fronts are crossed from north to south. Averaging sea surface values in latitude bands corresponding to each front provides a sensitive indicator of change. Complementary measurements obtained from research cruises and from free-floating profiling floats (e.g. the Argo program) assist in the interpretation of the surface measurements. This indicator is no longer maintained, and is considered OBSOLETE. INDICATOR DEFINITION Measurements of sea surface temperature in the Southern Ocean. Measurements are averaged over latitude bands: 40-50 deg S, 50-60 deg S, 60 deg S-continent. TYPE OF INDICATOR There are three types of indicators used in this report: 1.Describes the CONDITION of important elements of a system; 2.Show the extent of the major PRESSURES exerted on a system; 3.Determine RESPONSES to either condition or changes in the condition of a system. This indicator is one of: CONDITION RATIONALE FOR INDICATOR SELECTION Australian and Antarctic climate and marine living resources are sensitive to the distribution of ocean temperature. Sea surface values are relatively easy to monitor, and therefore can be used as a relevant indicator of the state of the ocean environment. The information provided by long records of sea surface temperature is needed to detect changes in the Southern Ocean resulting from climate change; to test climate model predictions; to develop an understanding of links between the Ocean and climate variability in Australia; and for sustainable development of marine resources. DESIGN AND STRATEGY FOR INDICATOR MONITORING PROGRAM Spatial scale: Southern Ocean: 40 deg S to the Antarctic continent Frequency: Monthly averages over summer Measurement technique: Measurements of sea surface temperature from Antarctic supply ships. The best spatial coverage of sea surface ...
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