Russ Steele
Patrick Michaels writes in the American Spectator this morning, that the planet has only warmed half as much as claimed by the UN IPCC. Pointing to Urban Heat Islands caused by economic development and bias in the historical records caused by poor maintenance, station moves, and competence of the observer. My work, and the work of others, on Anthony Watts' station survey project supports Michaels study of climate measurement bias.
Michaels writes:
We noted that other types of bias must still be affecting historical climate records. What about the quality of a national network and the competence of the observers? Other factors include movement or closing of weather stations and modification of local land surfaces, such as replacing a forest with a cornfield.
When this Nevada City station was moved from Pioneer Park to the Water Plant the minimum temperature jumped two degrees higher on average after the move. Details here.
When we surveyed weather stations located at Forest Service and Fire Stations, during the interview we learned that it was the "new guy" who got to go out in the rain and snow to measure the temperature. The guy/gal with the least experience was taking the temperature.
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Michaels writes:
Weather equipment is very high-maintenance. The standard temperature shelter is painted white. If the paint wears or discolors, the shelter absorbs more of the sun's heat and the thermometer inside will read artificially high. But keeping temperature stations well painted probably isn't the highest priority in a poor country.
This station is from the USDA Agricultural Station at Brawley California. This survey photo was made by my friend Bob Wiederrick. It does not look like painting shelters is a high priority at the USDA.
Later this week, Anthony Watts will have more on how important shelter painting can be to temperature measurements. He has been running some experiments. Here is a preview at Watts Up With That.
