Sea Surface Temperature

Scientists measure SST to understand how the ocean communicates with Earth's atmosphere, provide fundamental information on the global climate system, aid in weather prediction and atmospheric model simulations, and study marine ecosystems.

SST data are especially useful for identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles. During El Niño, temperatures in the Pacific near the equator are warmer than normal, while during La Niña, the same area experiences colder than normal ocean temperatures. These cycles are caused by multiyear shifts in pressure and wind speeds, and affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems.

SST measurements benefit a wide spectrum of operational applications, including climate and seasonal forecasts, weather prediction, marine ecosystem studies, and identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles.

El Niño and La Niña cycles, caused by multiyear shifts in pressure and wind speeds, affect ocean circulation and global weather patterns. During El Niño, temperatures in the Pacific near the equator are warmer than normal, while during La Niña, the same area experiences colder than normal ocean temperatures.

SST is considered essential in weather prediction and atmospheric model simulations because it provides fundamental information on the global climate system, aids in studying marine ecosystems, and is crucial for identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles.