Rimfrost provides temperature measurements from over 500 observation stations worldwide. The database focuses on long time series, with records from stations like Uppsala (from 1720), Berlin (from 1701), and New York (from 1822). It was developed by a University College in the Nordic region (NITH/OSLO) under the organization SCIOPS.
Use Cases
- Analyze long-term temperature trends for specific stations like Uppsala or Berlin using their time-series data.
- Compare average temperature change across groups of countries, such as G8 nations, using station-level measurements.
- Study regional climate development by examining data from well-instrumented areas like the Nordic nations or major industrial countries.
- Model global temperature change by statistically correcting and combining measurements from the 500-station network.
- Investigate urbanization effects on local climate by examining homogenized data from stations that have been relocated.
Strengths
- Over 500 observation stations provide a global spatial coverage.
- Contains long time series with records extending back to the early 1700s for some stations.
- Data has been homogenized for comparability over time where station moves or local climate changes occurred.
Limitations
- Exact row count, sample size, and data completeness for each station are unknown.
- Station distribution has a geographic bias, with heavier instrumentation in Nordic nations and major industrial countries.
- The description does not specify the frequency (e.g., daily, monthly) or consistency of the measurements across all stations.
Provenance
- Source
- Rimfrost database, hosted via NASA EarthData, developed by a University College (NITH/OSLO) under organization SCIOPS.
- Collection Method
- Temperature measurements collected from chosen observation stations worldwide, with data homogenized for long-term comparability.
- Time Range
- Records span from the early 18th century to present, with specific stations starting between 1701 and 1841.
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global coverage with stations in USA, China, Russia, Germany, UK, France, Japan, India, and Nordic nations (Norway, Sweden, Finland).