"Graham P Davis" wrote in message
...

The TAO data is from 70 buoys whereas the NOAA data is satellite only.
The
climatology base is 1971-2000 for TAO. NOAA uses a base of 1984-93
satellite data but with 91 and 92 removed due to contamination from
the
Pinatubo eruption.

.... I think I'll stick with the TAO array which uses *actual*
measurements of the SST and a recognised climatology. If I understand
correctly the database for the NOAA means is down to 7 years? I agree
that it is more useful to compare one year with another, and I don't for
a moment doubt that a warm event is occurring - it's just that
*currently*, it's a pretty poor affair and the NOAA display gives a
rather too dramatic impression.

Martin.

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