We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Sea Surface Temperature?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,794
Share

Sea surface temperatures are measurements taken at the surface of the ocean, ranging from the top millimeter to greater depths, depending on the measurement system used. Government agencies as well as private weather firms and academic weather observatories all collect sea surface temperature (SST) data. It can be used in meteorological predictions as well as studies on ocean health and the weather. The world's oceans have a profound impact on climate patterns, and studying them can provide important insight into various weather phenomena.

There are a number of ways to collect sea surface temperature data. One option is using a thermometer directly at the source. Observing stations can also collect data on wave height, turbidity, and other topics of interest. The information typically transmits remotely to a collection site to make it easier to collate data. When a weather station fails to transmit or appears to be generating errors, a technician can visit it to determine what kind of service it may need.

Weather satellites can also gather sea surface temperature information. Satellite data typically requires a number of sweeps, as cloud cover can interfere with accurate measurements. On maps that use satellite data, periodic dark spots may represent areas that the satellite could not measure because of persistent clouds or other issues. Like base weather stations, satellites typically collect a variety of data in addition to temperatures.

For weather forecasters, sea surface temperature information is very important. The temperature of the ocean has an impact on the air masses over it. Changes in temperature can create a variety of weather conditions, ranging from clear, sunny skies to severe storms. Cyclical seasonal shifts in temperature help explain some weather patterns. Periodic dramatic spikes like warming in the Pacific can cause phenomena like the El Niño weather patterns seen approximately every five years.

Archives of global sea surface temperature data are available through a number of resources. These provide information researchers can apply to extended climate studies. Some annual shifts in temperature are normal, as are larger cyclical patterns that may appear more infrequently. Researchers who want to know if they are seeing a trend or abnormality need to be able to refer to old data to learn more about how the ocean usually behaves over time. This data can also be helpful for weather modeling, where meteorologists may want to compare predictions with actual behavior in the past to determine their accuracy and reliability.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-sea-surface-temperature.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.