Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Explained

• SST (Sea Surface Temperature) refers to the water temperature near the ocean's surface.
• SST is typically measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit

Importance of SST

• SST influences weather patterns and climate worldwide.
• It affects the exchange of heat and moisture between the ocean and the atmosphere.
• SST impacts marine ecosystems by influencing the distribution and behavior of marine organisms.
• SST changes can indicate climate change and ocean variability.

Factors Affecting SST

• Solar radiation is the primary heat source for SST.
• Ocean currents redistribute heat across the globe.
• Wind patterns cause mixing and upwelling, which alters surface temperatures.
• Evaporation cools surface water, while precipitation can either warm or cool, depending on its temperature.
• Ice formation cools the water, while ice melt can warm the water.

Measuring SST

• In situ measurements are taken directly in the ocean using thermometers, buoys, and research vessels.
• Satellite measurements use infrared and microwave sensors to estimate SST remotely.
• Satellite measurements provide broader spatial coverage than in situ measurements.

SST and Weather

• SST affects atmospheric stability, and the formation of clouds and precipitation.
• Warm SST can fuel hurricanes and tropical cyclones by providing energy and moisture.
• Colder SST can suppress storm development.
• SST gradients (changes in temperature over distance) influence the location and intensity of weather systems.

SST and Climate

• SST influences long-term climate patterns, including El Niño and La Niña.
• El Niño includes unusually warm SST in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
• La Niña includes unusually cold SST in the same region.
• These phenomena cause widespread changes in temperature and precipitation patterns around the world.
• SST affects the absorption and release of carbon dioxide by the ocean, which is crucial for regulating global climate.

SST and Marine Ecosystems

• SST affects the distribution, metabolism, and reproduction of marine organisms.
• Many marine species have specific temperature preferences and ranges.
• SST changes can cause shifts in species distributions, potentially disrupting food webs and ecosystems.
• Coral bleaching, which occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae due to high temperatures, is a major threat to coral reefs.

SST and Human Activities

• SST data is used in weather forecasting, climate modeling, and fisheries management.
• SST information helps predict and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
• SST monitoring aids in detecting and responding to oil spills and other marine pollution events.
• Tourism and recreation are affected by SST, influencing activities such as swimming, surfing, and diving.

SST Trends and Climate Change

• The global average SST has been increasing in recent decades, consistent with global warming trends.
• Rising SST can lead to more intense heatwaves, altered precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise due to thermal expansion of water.
• Continued warming of SST poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
• Monitoring SST trends and understanding their impacts is crucial for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

SST Anomalies

• SST anomalies represent departures from the average SST for a specific location and time period.
• Positive anomalies indicate that the SST is warmer than usual, while negative anomalies indicate that it is colder than usual.
• SST anomalies can be used to identify and track climate variability and extreme events.

Regional Variations in SST

• SST varies significantly across different regions of the world's oceans.
• Tropical regions generally have higher SST than polar regions.
• Coastal regions can have different SST than offshore areas due to factors like upwelling and river discharge.

Upwelling and SST

• Upwelling is the process where deep, cold water rises to the surface.
• Upwelling areas often have lower SST than surrounding waters.
• Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting productive fisheries and marine ecosystems.

SST and Ocean Currents

• Ocean currents transport heat from the tropics to the poles, moderating global temperatures.
• Warm currents, such as the Gulf Stream, carry warm water northward, influencing the climate of Europe.
• Cold currents, such as the California Current, carry cold water southward, influencing the climate of the west coast of North America.

Data Sources for SST

• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides SST data from various sources, including satellites and buoys.
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) also collects and distributes SST data.
• Various research institutions and universities contribute to SST monitoring and research.

SST and Fisheries

• SST influences the distribution and abundance of fish populations.
• Changes in SST can affect fish migration patterns, spawning grounds, and overall productivity.
• Fisheries managers use SST data to make informed decisions about fishing quotas and conservation measures.

SST and Coral Bleaching

• High SST is a primary cause of coral bleaching.
• Corals expel their symbiotic algae when SST exceeds a certain threshold, causing them to turn white and become more susceptible to disease and death.
• Mass coral bleaching events have become more frequent and widespread due to climate change.

SST and Sea Level Rise

• Thermal expansion of ocean water due to rising SST contributes to sea level rise.
• As water warms, it expands in volume, leading to higher sea levels.
• Sea level rise can cause coastal erosion, flooding, and displacement of coastal communities.

SST and Ocean Acidification

• Ocean acidification is the decrease in the pH of ocean water due to absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• SST and ocean acidification are distinct processes that are both related to climate change and can have synergistic effects on marine ecosystems.
• Ocean acidification can make it more difficult for marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons.

SST and Extreme Weather Events

• High SST can contribute to the intensity of hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones.
• Warm water provides the energy and moisture needed for these storms to develop and strengthen.
• SST is also a factor in heatwaves over land, as higher ocean temperatures can increase air temperatures in coastal areas.

Future Projections of SST

• Climate models project that SST will continue to rise throughout the 21st century under various emission scenarios.
• The extent of SST warming will depend on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
• Continued SST warming is expected to have significant impacts on weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.

Learn about Sea Surface Temperature (SST), its importance in influencing weather patterns and climate, and the factors affecting it. Understand how solar radiation, ocean currents, and wind patterns play a vital role in SST. Discover methods for SST measurement.