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Global mean sea level - Indicator of climate changeA critical discussion is presented on the use by Etkins and Epstein (1982) of combined surface air temperature and sea level time series to draw conclusions concerning the discharge of the polar ice sheets. It is objected by Robock that they used Northern Hemisphere land surface air temperature records which are unrepresentative of global sea surface temperature, and he suggests that externally imposed volcanic dust and CO2 forcings can adequately account for observed temperature changes over the last century, with global sea level changing in passive response to sea change as a result of thermal expansion. Hansen et al. adduce evidence for global cooling due to ice discharge that has not exceeded a few hundredths of a degree centigrade in the last century, precluding any importance of this phenomenon in the interpretation of global mean temperature trends for this period. Etkins and Epstein reply that since their 1982 report additional evidence has emerged for the hypothesis that the polar ice caps are diminishing. It is reasserted that each of the indices discussed, including global mean sea surface temperature and sea level, polar ice sheet mass balance, water mass characteristics, and the spin rate and axis of rotation displacement of the earth, are physically linked and can be systematically monitored, as is currently being planned under the auspices of the National Climate Program.
Document ID
19830041107
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Robock, A.
(Maryland, University College Park, MD, United States)
Hansen, J.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Gornitz, V.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Lebedeff, S.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Moore, E.
(NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies New York, NY, United States)
Etkins, R.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Epstein, E.
(NOAA Rockville, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
February 25, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 219
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
83A22325
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-79-18215
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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