Earth's temperature depends on where you put thermometer

Associated Press ^ | Jan. 20, 2016 12:39 PM EST | Seth Borenstein

[Olog-hai]

When it comes to measuring global warming, it's all about altitude.

Temperature readings taken close to Earth's surface -- about 6 feet off the ground -- show a slightly warmer planet than measurements taken from on high by satellites in orbit.

And that discrepancy has given ammunition to climate-change doubters.

Government agencies and most scientists rely primarily on ground measurements, and they show that 2015 was the warmest year on record.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NASA, the Japanese and British meteorological agencies and the World Meteorological Organization all use ground data. It's a matter of better accuracy and relevance, scientists say. ...

[Moonman62]

Earth’s temperature depends on where you put thermometer

...

A rectal thermometer would be good for Washington, DC.