Introduction to Sea Surface Temperature

Study Notes

Introduction

SST stands for Sea Surface Temperature.
It is a crucial metric in oceanography and meteorology, reflecting the heat content of the upper layer of the ocean.
SST is measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Factors Affecting SST

Solar radiation: Direct solar insolation is the primary driver of SST. The amount of radiation absorbed depends on factors like latitude, time of year, and cloud cover.
Ocean currents: Warmer currents can transport heat to cooler regions, while cold currents can cool surface waters.
Wind: Wind stress can influence the mixing of water, affecting heat transfer between the surface and the deeper layers. Stronger winds can cause more turbulent mixing.
Latitude: Higher latitudes generally experience lower SSTs due to reduced solar radiation.
Albedo: The reflectivity of the Earth's surface (land and sea) affects the amount of solar energy absorbed. A higher albedo means more reflection and lower absorption, impacting SST.

Measurement of SST

Various methods are employed to measure SST.
Ships: Immersion sensors, often mounted on the ship's hull, directly measure the temperature of the water.
Buoys: Autonomous floating platforms with instruments collect data continuously, providing long-term measurements.
Satellite sensors: Remote sensing techniques use satellite-based instruments (e.g., infrared detectors) to measure SST over vast areas. Satellites can capture data of entire ocean basins simultaneously.
Argo floats: These float deep into the ocean and periodically surface to take SST measurements, providing data from various depths. -This gives a more detailed understanding of the vertical profile of the ocean temperature.

Importance of SST Data

Climate modeling: SST data is essential input for climate models used to predict future climate scenarios. Accurate SST projections are needed for reliable climate forecasts and assessments.
Weather forecasting: SST significantly influences weather patterns. Warmer SSTs are linked with increased hurricane activity. Data is used for weather forecasting by predicting future weather events.
Oceanographic research: Studying SST variations provides information about ocean currents, upwelling, and other dynamic processes.
Marine ecosystems: SST controls the distribution and abundance of marine organisms. Changes in SST can dramatically alter marine ecosystems.

Applications of SST Data

Fisheries management: SST plays a crucial role in fish distribution, and monitoring SST can help manage fisheries sustainably.
Coastal zone management: Changes in SST can impact coastal processes like erosion and flooding.
Predicting El Niño/La Niña: SST patterns often correlate with these climate phenomena, providing early warning indicators for these events.
- SST patterns are significant indicators of climate variability and extreme weather events.

Variations in SST

Natural variability: SSTs fluctuate naturally due to various factors, including changes in solar activity, ocean currents, and atmospheric circulation.
Ocean heat content: The overall heat content of the ocean plays a vital role in climate regulation.
Seasonal cycles: SSTs typically show seasonal variations across different regions.
Long-term trends: Studies indicate warming trends in global SSTs, a primary marker for the effects of human activities.

Description

This quiz covers the importance of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in oceanography and meteorology. It explores the various factors affecting SST, including solar radiation, ocean currents, and wind. Test your understanding of how these elements interact with SST measurements.