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Scientists measure sea surface temperature to understand how the ocean communicates with Earth's atmosphere
SST provides fundamental information on the global climate system
Sea surface temperature is an essential parameter in weather prediction and atmospheric model simulations, and is also important for the study of 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
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
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