Climate Science Measurements Portal

Earth’s climate is changing. But to get a clear assessment of these changes, scientists need to be sure that the vast amounts of climate data they collect are accurate. Accuracy is critical to the comparison of measurement results obtained in widely separated locations and at different times. Such results are often the basis for developing greater insights into the chemical and physical phenomena that cause our climate to change. Accurate measurements enable scientists to draw reliable conclusions. A stable, internationally-recognized frame of reference, such as the International System of Units (SI), provides the basis both for data comparability and for international acceptance of measurement results and insights concerning climatic behaviors. The work begun by Charles D. Keeling of Scripps Institution of Oceanography is an exceptional example of the value to the climate science community of a data record founded on close attention to methodologies that ensure accurate measurement results over long periods. More…