What is the difference UAH satellite dataset 5.2 to 5.3?

I wondered what has been changed between version 5.2 and 5.3

This is of some interest because I was aware of the considerable annual cycle in version 5.2 and in the RSS equivalent if slightly less.

There is a major change and best shown graphically.

Datasets computed here from gridded data

This is no surprise. The data is segmented by a variety of satellites, none of them consistent with the next. Christy says in the metadata there were problems in continuing trying to match new with old. Seems this has now been untangled.

The amplitude looks right relative to the results I found in post 2003 data.

Question now is whether RSS will follow suit.

I think the whole subject is interesting and far from dead and settled. The raw data should show two annual characteristics, one from the orbital eccentricity of the earth and the other to do with the tilted axis of the earth.

Polar view of Arctic polar hot spot

These are the Feburary 2010 polar plots of UAH temperature, orientated to -140 degrees to match some of the Jetstream polar images. Jetstream is far south of normal and has been for several months.

Click on an image for full size view.

Lower troposphere

Mid troposphere

Lower stratosphere

Late Blues

Added a page about Blue Lake, Alaska, and what seems to be a confirmation.

See list on the right.