Scientists re-define seawater

[hubag bohol]

Last Updated: 2 hours 59 minutes ago


Australian scientists have helped develop a new definition for seawater to help research into climate change.

The research involved the country's national scientific organisation, the CSIRO

Linda Hunt reports that understanding how oceans behave is an important tool in climate research.

An international team led by the CSIRO's Dr Trevor McDougal says the new definition for seawater is the biggest development in the science for 30 years. He says it provides a more accurate calculation of salinity and ocean temperatures.

"I'd say it's as accurate as we'll be able to do it for many years."

Scientists are excited about the implications for climate modelling, including oceanographer Dr Susan Wijffels. "Getting up to this next level of accuracy I think is going to help us do a much better job of understanding what's happening in the deep ocean."

The new definition of seawater is now being explained to scientists around the world. -- http://australianetworknews.com/