Scientific researchers have discovered an error in decades-old ocean temperature measurements, indicating that the world's seas are warming and rising at a faster rate than previously believed. An international team of scientists published their findings in the journal Nature, after analyzing millions of ship-based measurements taken since 1950, with a focus on data from 1960 and the use of XBT probes. By correcting this error in data collected over decades and using a complex statistical analysis, the team was able to estimate global ocean warming and sea level rise more accurately. According to team member Catia Domingues, the rate of ocean warming from 1961 to 2003 is actually 50 percent higher than previously reported. Co-author John Church expressed skepticism about historical data that did not align with computer model results of climate and ocean patterns. "We have adjusted the observations and now the models align much better with them," stated Church, a senior research scientist at the climate center. Through statistical analysis of numerous XBT observations and research ship data, one can determine the errors associated with XBTs. This is crucial because the oceans hold the majority of the planet's heat, serving as a buffer against climate change impacts, explained Domingues. Warmer water expands, contributing to rising sea levels along with melting glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Church's team estimated a global average surface warming of 0.4 degrees Celsius from 1961 to 2003, with sea levels rising an average of 1.6 millimeters per year during that time. Church stated that sea levels have been rising at a rate of more than 3 mm per year since 1993 due to increased consumption of fossil fuels. XBTs, which were commonly used by commercial vessels in the past, have now been largely replaced by satellites and permanent probes in the ocean. These disposable XBTs were dropped into the water with a wire attached to measure temperatures as they sank. Church explained that errors could occur if the instrument fell through the water column too quickly, resulting in incorrect depth and temperature readings. To address this issue, Church's colleague Susan Wijffels and other researchers developed a mathematical formula to correct the error. This, along with a more comprehensive analysis of global ocean temperature data, provided a clearer picture that aligned more closely with widely used computer models predicting climate and ocean behavior due to global warming. According to Church, the data shows a consistent rate of warming and an increasing trend, which reinforces confidence in the accuracy of future projections. Additionally, observations suggest that actual sea level rise is tracking towards the higher end of these projections, as indicated by the U.N. Climate Panel's assessment predicting a possible sea level rise of up to 80 cm by 2100 if carbon dioxide levels are not controlled.