Observational needs of sea surface temperature

Anne G. O'Carroll*, Edward M. Armstrong, Helen Beggs, Marouan Bouali, Kenneth S. Casey, Gary K. Corlett, Prasanjit Dash, Craig Donlon, Chelle L. Gentemann, Jacob L. Høyer, Alexander Ignatov, Kamila Kabobah, Misako Kachi, Yukio Kurihara, Ioanna Karagali, Eileen Maturi, Christopher J. Merchant, Salvatore Marullo, Peter Minnett, Matthew PennybackerBalaji Ramakrishnan, R. A. A. J. Ramsankaran, Rosalia Santoleri, Swathy Sunder, Stéphane Saux Picart, Jorge Vázquez-Cuervo, Werenfrid Wimmer

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReviewpeer-review

    506 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Sea surface temperature (SST) is a fundamental physical variable for understanding, quantifying and predicting complex interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. Such processes determine how heat from the sun is redistributed across the global oceans, directly impacting large- and small-scale weather and climate patterns. The provision of daily maps of global SST for operational systems, climate modelling and the broader scientific community is now a mature and sustained service coordinated by the Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST) and the CEOS SST Virtual Constellation (CEOS SST-VC). Data streams are shared, indexed, processed, quality controlled, analyzed, and documented within a Regional/Global Task Sharing (R/GTS) framework, which is implemented internationally in a distributed manner. Products rely on a combination of low-Earth orbit infrared and microwave satellite imagery, geostationary orbit infrared satellite imagery, and in situ data from moored and drifting buoys, Argo floats, and a suite of independent, fully characterized and traceable in situ measurements for product validation (Fiducial Reference Measurements, FRM). Research and development continues to tackle problems such as instrument calibration, algorithm development, diurnal variability, derivation of high-quality skin and depth temperatures, and areas of specific interest such as the high latitudes and coastal areas. In this white paper, we review progress versus the challenges we set out 10 years ago in a previous paper, highlight remaining and new research and development challenges for the next 10 years (such as the need for sustained continuity of passive microwave SST using a 6.9 GHz channel), and conclude with needs to achieve an integrated global high-resolution SST observing system, with focus on satellite observations exploited in conjunction with in situ SSTs. The paper directly relates to the theme of Data Information Systems and also contributes to Ocean Observing Governance and Ocean Technology and Networks within the OceanObs2019 objectives. Applications of SST contribute to all the seven societal benefits, covering Discovery; Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity; Climate Variability & Change; Water, Food, & Energy Security; Pollution & Human Health; Hazards and Maritime Safety; and the Blue Economy.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number420
    JournalFrontiers in Marine Science
    Volume6
    ISSN2296-7745
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019

    Keywords

    • Climate data records (CDR)
    • FRM
    • GHRSST
    • Observations
    • Operational oceanography
    • Satellite
    • Sea surface temperature (SST)
    • In situ

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Observational needs of sea surface temperature'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this