Warming and salting in the western Mediterranean during the second half of the 20th century: inconsistencies, unknowns and the effect of data processing

摘要: Many papers that have appeared since the late 1980s reported trends for salinity and temperature of upper, intermediate deep layers within western Mediterranean. The review these works shows figures depend on period time considered. In some cases, opposite results are obtained by different studies dealing with same time. These make it difficult to assess mean variables during second half 20th century distinguish long-term changes from decadal multi-decadal variability. order determine origin discrepancies, we analyse profiles MEDAR/2002 in three areas Mediterranean: Gulf Lions, Balearic Islands Alboran Sea. We use data analysis methods all been tested used previously literature. Our show scarcity makes trend estimations very sensitive methods, questioning robustness such showing suitability systematic sampling studying changes. attempt provide 1950 2000 aforementioned regions, which a higher degree uncertainty than previous studies. Long-term increases this 50-year intervals [0.02°C, 0.19°C] [0.01, 0.1] waters, [0.06°C, 0.38°C] 0.26] LIW, [0, 0.45°C] upper layers. No change has observed layer.