Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

• SST can refer to multiple topics.
• To provide accurate study notes, it is important to specify which definition is used.

Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

• SST refers to the water temperature near the ocean's surface, typically within the top millimeter to several meters.
• It is a crucial parameter for understanding and modeling Earth's climate, influencing weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

Measurement of SST

• SST can be measured through in-situ measurements (buoys, ships, Argo floats) and remote sensing (satellites with radiometers).
• Satellites provide global coverage and high spatial resolution.
• Infrared radiometers measure SST by detecting thermal radiation in the infrared spectrum.
• Microwave radiometers can measure SST even through clouds, providing more complete coverage.
• Different satellite instruments have different strengths and limitations regarding accuracy, resolution, and coverage.

Factors Affecting SST

• Factors influencing SST include:
  • Solar radiation as the primary heat source.
  • Air-sea heat exchange through conduction, convection, and evaporation.
  • Ocean currents redistribute heat.
  • Upwelling brings cold water from the deep ocean.
  • Vertical mixing of water.
  • Atmospheric conditions (wind, cloud cover, precipitation).
  • El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
  • Volcanic eruptions releasing aerosols.

Importance of SST

• SST data is used for:
  • Improving weather forecasting models.
  • Climate modeling to project future climate scenarios.
  • Assessing hurricane intensity.
  • Understanding the distribution and abundance of marine species.
  • Fisheries management and protecting marine resources.
  • Navigation and maritime operations.

SST and Climate Change

• Global warming causes a gradual increase in SST.
• Rising SST can lead to coral bleaching, shifts in marine species distribution, and changes in ocean currents.
• Warmer SST can increase the intensity of tropical cyclones and hurricanes.
• Changes in SST can affect the exchange of carbon dioxide between the ocean and the atmosphere, influencing the global carbon cycle.

SST Datasets

• Numerous SST datasets are available from organizations like NOAA, NASA, and ESA.
• Datasets vary in spatial resolution, temporal coverage, and data processing methods.
• Common datasets include Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST), Reynolds SST, and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) SST.

SST Anomalies

• SST anomalies represent the departure of SST from a long-term average or climatology.
• Positive SST anomalies indicate warmer temperatures, and negative anomalies indicate cooler temperatures.
• SST anomalies are used to identify and track climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña.

SST and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

• El Niño is characterized by unusually warm SST in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• La Niña is characterized by unusually cold SST in the same region.
• ENSO events can significantly impact weather patterns around the world.
• SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific are a key indicator of ENSO events, affecting rainfall, temperature, and storm activity.

Semiconductor Storage Technology (SST)

• SST was a company specializing in flash memory technology, acquired by Microchip Technology in 2010.
• SST developed and licensed SuperFlash memory technology, a NOR flash memory known for high performance and reliability.
• SuperFlash is used in consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, and medical devices.
• The memory technology features high endurance, low power consumption, and small size.
• SST played a key role in developing embedded flash memory solutions, offering standard and custom memory products designed for a wide range of operating temperatures.

SST Memory Technologies

• SST's SuperFlash technology is based on a split-gate cell architecture.
• The split-gate cell allows independent control of read and write operations, offering fast speeds.
• SuperFlash memory uses a thick oxide layer to improve data retention.
• The memory technology is designed for high-volume manufacturing.
• SST's memory products are available in varied densities and packages.

SST Applications

• SST's SuperFlash memory is used in:
  • Microcontrollers
  • Smart cards
  • Wireless devices
  • Automotive electronics
  • Industrial control systems
• SST's memory technology suits high-performance, reliable, low-power consumption applications and is used in embedded and standalone memory applications.

SST and Microchip Technology

• Microchip Technology acquired SST in 2010, expanding its memory product portfolio.
• Microchip continues to develop and market SST's SuperFlash memory technology.
• SST's memory technology is integrated into Microchip's microcontrollers and other products.

Supersonic Transport (SST)

• SST refers to civilian aircraft faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1).
• The Concorde was the most well-known and widely used SST, offering significantly reduced travel times.
• SSTs typically cruise above 50,000 feet to minimize drag and turbulence.

Challenges of SSTs

• Challenges include:
  • Sonic boom.
  • High fuel consumption.
  • Higher levels of emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx).
  • Noise pollution during takeoff and landing.
  • High development and operating costs.

Concorde

• The Concorde was a joint project between the UK and France, entering commercial service in 1976.
• It could fly from London to New York in under 3 hours.
• It was retired in 2003 due to high operating costs, low passenger demand, and the aftermath of the Air France Flight 4590 crash in 2000.

Future of SSTs

• Several companies are developing new SST designs, using new technologies to address the challenges.
• New technologies include quieter and more fuel-efficient engines and advanced aerodynamic designs.

SST (Systems and Services Technologies)

• SST is a technology and services company providing IT solutions and services to businesses and government agencies.
• Services include cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, and IT consulting.
• SST offers tailored solutions for specific industries and partners with leading technology vendors.