7/24/2023 0 Comments Ocean phenomena![]() ![]() When observing ocean phenomenon, it is critical to consider winds as part of what we measure. Winds have an impact on both individual currents and complete current systems. Winds are the largest source of momentum for the ocean surface. By developing global, detailed, and decades-long views of Sea Surface Temperature (SST), data obtained from NASA satellites provide the basis for prediction of climate change, ocean currents, and global climate patterns like the potent El Niño-La Niña cycles. Instruments aboard NASA satellites use their vantage point from space to collect global measurements of the ocean's surface temperature. Ocean Surface Topography (OST) data contains information that has practical applications in such areas as the study of worldwide weather and climate patterns, the monitoring of sea level evolution, and the protection of our ocean fisheries. NASA uses extremely precise measurements of the height of the ocean acquired from orbiting satellite instruments to map the topography of the ocean surface. Learn more about physical oceanography by following the links below: A displacement of weather patterns can extend summer weather or lead to droughts or floods. For example the patterns of heat distribution within the ocean and the geographic extent of current systems affect climate and weather. With satellite data, scientists can understand not only how the ocean behaves at a given point in time, but also how the ocean changes and fluctuates. ![]() A single global snapshot - which would be expensive and time-consuming, but possible from ships or buoys - fails to convey how the physical state of the ocean is changing. Satellites provide a double advantage over traditional ship-based measuring systems as they are able to provide continuous measurements on a global scale. From these data, scientists can further study ocean currents, and sea ice. In order to understand these phenomena, researchers at NASA measure ocean surface topography, sea surface temperature, the speed and direction of the winds over the ocean, and soon, sea surface salinity (salt content). Physical oceanographers study the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere, how the ocean stores and releases heat, the physical properties (or chemical content) of water throughout the ocean, and the formation and movement of currents and coastal dynamics. Physical oceanography is the study of the physical properties and dynamic processes of the oceans. ![]()
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