Dear Alison and all,
For "sea_surface_temperature", there is a problem stating definitively
that it is "not the skin or interface temperature". In most models the
skin and interface temperatures over ice-free (i.e., open) ocean are
indeed the same as sea_surface_temperature (by construction). I think
it would be more accurate (and less misleading) to say it is "not
*necessarily* the skin or interface temperature". You could also add to
the list "sea_surface_foundation_temperature" here because in models it
too is often the same as sea_surface_temperature". Models are
evolving, so this might not indefinitely be the case.
thanks,
Karl
On 3/2/16 9:40 AM, [email protected] wrote:
Dear Martin, All,
No objections have been received to the proposed definition change and
it is now accepted for publication in the standard name table.
The name will in future appear as:
sea_surface_temperature (canonical units: K)
‘Sea surface temperature is usually abbreviated as "SST". It is the
temperature of sea water near the surface (including the part under
sea-ice, if any), not the skin or interface temperature, whose
standard names are sea_surface_skin_temperature and
surface_temperature, respectively. For the temperature of sea water at
a particular depth or layer, a data variable of sea_water_temperature
with a vertical coordinate axis should be used.’
In response to Martin’s proposal I received an email from Craig Donlon
(original proposer of many of the current sea_surface_X_temperature
names). Craig and his team support the Martin’s proposal and
additionally point out an error that occurs in the definition of the
following names:
sea_surface_skin_temperature
sea_surface_subskin_temperature
in which the first sentence reads “The surface called "surface" means
the lower boundary of the atmosphere” even though the temperatures are
not in fact measured at the sea-air boundary. The suggestion is to
delete the initial sentence from the definitions. I note also that a
similar situation currently exists with the standard name
sea_surface_foundation_temperature even though that temperature
generally refers to a depth of 1 – 5 m below the sea surface.
I agree with Craig that the sentence should be deleted. I think it was
probably included by accident because most “surface” standard names do
indeed refer to the interface between the bottom of the atmosphere and
whatever lies beneath. I plan to remove the sentence from the
definitions of these three names at the next standard name table
update unless any objections are received in the meantime.
Best wishes,
Alison
------
Alison Pamment Tel: +44 1235 778065
Centre for Environmental Data Analysis Email:
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
R25, 2.22
Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX, U.K.
*From:*Pamment, Alison (STFC,RAL,RALSP)
*Sent:* 03 February 2016 15:32
*To:* Juckes, Martin (STFC,RAL,RALSP); [email protected]
*Subject:* RE: Confusing skin temperature and interface temperature
Dear Martin,
Thank you for pointing this out. I agree that since the introduction
of the very precisely defined sea_surface_skin_temperature name, the
definition of the more generic name is confusing. I agree with your
suggested amendment and unless anyone objects within the next seven
days the change will be accepted and added at the next update of the
standard name table.
Best wishes,
Alison
*From:*Juckes, Martin (STFC,RAL,RALSP)
*Sent:* 02 February 2016 16:07
*To:* [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>;
Pamment, Alison (STFC,RAL,RALSP)
*Subject:* Confusing skin temperature and interface temperature
Hello All,
The CF Standard Name sea_surface_temperature includes the statement
that it is "./... not the skin temperature, whose standard name is
surface_temperature/". The last phrase here is incorrect: the standard
name of the skin temperature is/sea_surface_skin_temperature/, not
/surface_temperature/. Can the definition be modified to read ".. /not
the skin or interface temperature, whose standard names are
sea_surface_skin_temperature and surface_temperature respectively/"?
regards,
Martin
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