Comparison of screen and aspirated temperature data at Halley, Antarctica: Implications for Climate Change Studies

The surface air temperature has been recorded at Halley Antarctica, since 1957 using traditional screen-based thermometry. Due to problems of using screens in cold climates, the British Antarctic Survey has been making parallel measurements of traditional screen-based and aspirated temperature readings since 1995. The purpose of this parallel measurement programme is to establish to what extent will a change in recording method have for climate change studies. This paper discusses the nature of the inhomogeneities introduced into the Halley temperature series by a change in temperature recording method, techniques used to recalibrate the traditional screen-based temperature record and the implications of using the recalibrated temperature series for climate change studies in the Antarctica.