Preliminary results show that acoustic thermometry indeed could be a powerful tool for measuring temperature changes across whole oceans, said an ATOC report. To date, the program has verified that acoustic travel times can be measured within 30 milliseconds of accuracy at a range of up to 3,100 miles more precise than once thought possible. Further, researchers estimate that it is now possible to measure changes across these distances to within 0.001 degrees Centigrade per day. Researchers were concerned at the outset that other factors could alter travel times and make it look like the temperature had changed when it hadn't. Early analysis shows that these factors can be accounted for within the distances being studied.
Thermal expansion means that ocean temperature is related to sea surface height.
ATOC researchers maintain that using both methods in tandem will help scientists improve the accuracy of ocean-circulation computer models. Program proponents say that accurate temperature readings across oceans, combined with atmospheric readings, could improve the reliability of computer models used to predict global climate change. In turn, accurate forecasts could lessen the potentially devastating economic and social impact many experts believe could result from the warming of the Earth's atmosphere. The right to download and store or output the articles from High Technology Careers is granted to users for their personal use only. All Rights Reserved.