This dataset traces their variation over the past 160000 years and their dramatic increase during the 20th century due to anthropomorphic activity. Sea surface temperature changes effect marine life and also continental weather patterns. This data set traces the warming of the Earth's surface during the last century. The mean temperature increases are dramatic but vary with time and also regionally. They are marked by sea surface pressure and temperature changes in the eastern and western Pacific and by floods and draughts.
Modern societies use large amounts of water.
Thus monitoring where and when rain falls is an important scientific activity. The shorter datasets all contain several years of important climate information. Satellite derived information about atmospheric water vapor, and temperatures are also given. Time invariant maps show the global soil types and the principle vegetation types.