These methods include inference of surface temperature change from vertical temperature profiles in the ground (bore holes) at many sites around the world, rate of glacier retreat at many locations, and studies by several groups of the effect of urban and other local human influences on the global temperature record. (data.giss.nasa.gov)
Fig 4: Modified vertical temperature profiles -LRB----- line) typical of: a) tropical air cooled from below and b) polar air heated from below on its way to the British Isles. (metlink.org)
This parameter is computed globally from the altimeter - derived vertical temperature profiles estimates in the upper ocean (Shay et al., 2000). (aoml.noaa.gov)