Average sea surface temperatures in latitude bands: 40-50 deg S, 50-60 deg S, 60 deg S-continent

This indicator is no longer maintained, and is considered OBSOLETE.INDICATOR DEFINITIONMeasurements of sea surface temperature in the Southern Ocean.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 INDICATORThere 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: CONDITIONRATIONALE FOR INDICATOR SELECTIONAustralian 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 PROGRAMSpatial scale: Southern Ocean: 40 deg S to the Antarctic continentFrequency: Monthly averages over summerMeasurement technique: Measurements of sea surface temperature from Antarctic supply ships. The best spatial coverage of sea surface temperature is provided by satellites, due to extensive cloud cover in the Southern Ocean and biases in the satellite measurement, in situ observations of sea surface temperature are necessary.RESEARCH ISSUESSea surface temperature has not been previously used as a spatially averaged environmental indicator. Some experimentation with past data are required to define the most appropriate averaging strategy.New technologies like profiling Argo floats need to be exploited to provide better spatial and temporal coverage of temperature in the Southern Ocean.LINKS TO OTHER INDICATORSSea ice extent and concentrationChlorophyll concentrationsSea surface salinity