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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of measuring Sea Surface Temperature (SST) according to the text?
Which method involves direct measurements made by instruments placed within the ocean environment?
What does Argo float do in the oceans based on the text?
Which instrument provides simultaneous temperature and salinity data according to the text?
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What do moored buoys provide according to the text?
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Which method of assessing SST involves utilizing fixed platforms to provide data in specific areas?
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What are drifters designed to do?
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Which satellite technology enables global coverage and frequent updates for measuring sea surface temperature (SST)?
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What is the main advantage of ocean reanalyses?
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Which type of drifter provides additional sensors like GPS systems and wave sensors?
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Why are microwave-based sensors like AMSR preferred for measuring SST during cloudy conditions?
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What is a limitation of in situ observations for studying ocean conditions?
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Study Notes
SST: Exploring Methods for Sea Surface Temperature Measurement
Understanding the temperature of the world's oceans is crucial for monitoring climate change, predicting weather patterns, and predicting the behavior of marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) measurements are a fundamental part of this endeavor. In this chapter, we'll explore various methods for accurately assessing SST, which fall into four broad categories: in situ observations, satellite remote sensing, drifters, and ocean reanalyses.
In Situ Observations
In situ observations refer to direct measurements made by instruments placed within the ocean environment. The most common are:
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Shipboard measurements: Ships have been used to collect SST data for over a century. The most basic method is to take measurements using handheld thermometers or digital sensors. More advanced systems, like the Sea Surface Temperature and Salinity (SST/SSS) sensors, provide simultaneous temperature and salinity data.
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Autonomous platforms: Autonomous instruments called Argo floats periodically drift throughout the world's oceans, collecting temperature data at various depths. Their SST measurements are precise and consistent, providing a valuable addition to shipboard data.
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Moored buoys: Fixed platforms provide continuous SST measurements in particular locations. These buoys are often placed along coastal areas or in the middle of oceans, where they collect data that can be used to study climate patterns and ocean circulation.
Satellite Remote Sensing
Satellite remote sensing technology has revolutionized the way we measure SST, enabling global coverage and frequent updates. Various satellites, like the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), continuously monitor the Earth's surface, measuring SST by detecting the amount of infrared energy emitted by the ocean.
Satellite-based SST measurements have increased in accuracy over the years. For instance, microwave-based sensors, like the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) on board NASA's Aqua satellite, can provide accurate SST data during cloudy conditions.
Drifters
Drifters are autonomous, free-floating instruments designed to move with ocean currents and provide continuous temperature data. There are two main types of drifters:
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Passive drifters: These drifters are equipped with temperature sensors, and their movements are driven by wind and currents. Passive drifters provide a wealth of information about ocean currents and temperature patterns.
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Instrumented drifters: These drifters include additional sensors, such as GPS systems, wave sensors, and pressure sensors, in addition to temperature sensors. Instrumented drifters are more expensive than passive drifters, but they provide more detailed information about ocean conditions.
Ocean Reanalyses
Ocean reanalyses are computational models that use a combination of in situ observations, satellite data, and other sources to estimate current and historical ocean conditions. These models incorporate complex physical and biogeochemical processes to produce detailed and consistent datasets.
Ocean reanalyses have several advantages:
- They provide accurate and consistent SST data over large spatial and temporal scales.
- They help fill gaps in sparse in situ and satellite data, particularly in regions with limited coverage.
- They can be used to investigate past climate patterns and make projections about future ocean conditions.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their advantages, each method has its own limitations and challenges. For instance, satellite remote sensing is susceptible to cloud cover and may not provide accurate data during these times. In situ observations are limited in coverage and may not capture the full range of ocean conditions. Drifters may not be able to capture localized temperature patterns, and ocean reanalyses may be limited by the accuracy and availability of the input data.
Conclusion
SST measurements are essential for understanding global climate patterns and predicting future weather and ocean conditions. By combining data from several methods, scientists can generate accurate and detailed information about ocean temperatures. Each method has its strengths and limitations, but together, they provide a comprehensive view of ocean conditions. As our understanding of SST measurements improves, we'll be better equipped to predict and respond to climate change and its impacts on our global environment.
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Description
Test your knowledge on various methods used to measure Sea Surface Temperature (SST) including in situ observations, satellite remote sensing, drifters, and ocean reanalyses. Explore the technologies and challenges associated with each method.
