Global Ocean Heat and Salt Content (original) (raw)

Data distribution figures for temperature and salinity observations, temperature and salinity anomaly fields for depths 0-2000m, heat content and steric sea level (thermosteric, halosteric, total) are updated quarterly. Temperature anomalies and heat content fields are detailed in World Ocean Heat Content and Thermosteric Sea Level change (0-2000 m), 1955-2010, publication (pdf, 8.1 MB). The same calculations have been extended to keep the fields current and include fields of salinity anomalies, and steric sea level components. Explanation of differences in heat content between published work and online values is outlined in thecomments (pdf, 4.2 MB).
Information regarding erroneus values is outlined in the notes.

Note: Between 0600 GMT and 1800 GMT Feb 14 2019, data and figures for all ocean heat, salt, and steric sea level variables had erroneous values for year 2018, all four quarters of 2018, and pentad 2014-2018. This was due to a test run of the system without Argo floats - the results of which were meant to be internal only.

Note: Between 1100 GMT May 10 2019 and 2100 GMT July 18 2019, data and figures for all salt, halosteric and total steric sea level variables had extreme anomalous values for the first quarter (Jan - Mar) of 2019. The extreme anomalous values were a result of an area of deep (50m-2000m) and extreme freshening (< -3 salinity anomaly) in the Arctic Ocean and were a product of limited in situ drifting buoy float data in the area. After careful consideration, we determined to flag these data. Due to the scarcity of data in the area, the objective analysis of the limited drifting buoy float observations create a very large and fresh area in the Arctic Ocean, which is not representative of actual conditions.

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