close_game
close_game

Number Theory: Sea surface mercury set for record highs

Dec 30, 2024 08:48 AM IST

This is the last of a two-part data journalism series which explains why 2024 is the warmest year for the planet.

The first part of this series explained how it is almost certain that the average global temperature will be the warmest ever this year. However, what is normally known as temperature is air temperature two metres above the earth’s surface. Another set of temperature numbers which deserve close attention are sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Although strongly correlated with air temperatures, SSTs do not always move exactly the way air temperatures do. For example, air temperatures in 2015 would only be ranked seventh warmest (after 2024 data is factored in) in the data produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a United States government agency; but SSTs would be ranked fourth warmest. This is not the case in 2024, where SSTs are also likely to break previous records. Here is how.

For representational purposes only. (HT File)
For representational purposes only. (HT File)
Sea surface mercury set for record highs
rec-icon Recommended Topics
Share this article
Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!
See More
Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On