1. What is the length of time-series necessary to produce reliable 

 long-term estimates of sea-surface temperatures? 



2. Can it be expected that sea-surface temperatures will vary system- 

 atically over periods of several years, in light of the randomness demonstrated 

 in this report? 



ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 



Work was performed under SR 104 03 01, Task 0586 (NEL L40561). The 

 report covers work from July 1961 to August 1964 and was approved for publica- 

 tion 17 January 1967. 



The assistance of Dr. George W. Snedecor, in providing motivation, 

 encouragement, and advice; of Mrs. J. M. Baker, J. S. Buehler, and H. W. Frye, 

 for numerical analysis assistance; and of Mrs. G. L. Jones, for handling the 

 many details essential to the success of such a study, is gratefully acknowl- 

 edged. 



