Temperature Trends in the Lower Atmosphere:
Steps for Understanding and Reconciling Differences

See also Report Reconciles Atmospheric Temperature Trends press release (2 May 2006) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Final Report

Note: All links are to PDF files.

• Complete report [9.2 MB].  Temperature Trends in the Lower Atmosphere: Steps for Understanding and Reconciling Differences. Thomas R. Karl, Susan J. Hassol, Christopher D. Miller, and William L. Murray, editors, 2006. A Report by the Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research, Washington, DC.

Front Matter [1.0 Mb].  Includes:

• Front Cover
• Editorial Team
• Federal Executive Team
• Abstract
• Recommended Citations
• Preface [379 kb]. Report Motivation and Guidance for Using this Synthesis/Assessment Report

Executive Summary [1.1 Mb]

Chapter 1 [1.2 Mb].  Why do temperatures vary vertically (from the surface to the stratosphere) and what do we understand about why they might vary and change over time?

Chapter 2 [800 kb].  What kinds of atmospheric temperature variations can the current observing systems measure and what are their strengths and limitations, both spatially and temporally?

Chapter 3 [1.7 Mb].  What do observations indicate about the changes of temperature in the atmosphere and at the surface since the advent of measuring temperatures vertically?

Chapter 4 [1.1 Mb].  What is our understanding of the contribution made by observational or methodological uncertainties to the previously reported vertical differences in temperature trends?

Chapter 5 [1.7 Mb].  How well can the observed vertical temperature changes be reconciled with our understanding of the causes of these temperature changes?

Chapter 6 [519 kb].  What measures can be taken to improve our understanding of observed changes?

Appendix A [1.0 Mb].  Statistical Issues Regarding Trends.

This document, the first of the Synthesis and Assessment Products described in the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Strategic Plan, was prepared in accordance with Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106-554) and the information quality act guidelines issued by the Department of Commerce and NOAA pursuant to Section 515). The CCSP Interagency Committee relies on Department of Commerce and NOAA certifications regarding compliance with Section 515 and Department guidelines as the basis for determining that this product conforms with Section 515. For purposes of compliance with Section 515, this CCSP Synthesis and Assessment Product is an “interpreted product” as that term is used in NOAA guidelines and is classified as “highly influential”. This document does not express any regulatory policies of the United States or any of its agencies, or provide recommendations for regulatory action.