The sea surface temperature field of a 10 x 20 degree area of the North Atlantic is constructed from synoptic temperatures of the ocean surface obtained from High Resolution Infrared Radiometer (HRIR) data from NIMBUS II meteorological satellite. The computer analysis of these satellite data is compared with the computer analysis of three and one half days of conventional ship data produced for the same time period by the Fleet Numerical Weather Central (FNWC), Monterey, California, with a manual analysis of the same ship data prepared by the Fleet Weather Central, Norfolk, Virginia, and with an experimental numerical analysis done by NAVOCEANO. (Author).

The primary purpose of this research was to perform an analysis of the constancy of the sea-surface temperature in candidate locations for OTEC siting. Most in situ data available to determine the constancy of the sea surface temperature were obtained using point sensors that recorded surface temperature at specific points and at specific times or for some specific period. These data, while establishing certain gross or average patterns, are inadequate for describing short-term temperature variations for large areas and are insufficient for assessing the constancy of the temperature patterns relative to selecting potential sites for OTEC. The only data available for analysis of the synoptic ocean surface temperature pattern are those obtained in the last five years by infrared scanning radiometer systems on earth observational satellites. For this study, the satellite infrared (ir) data for the period 1973-1977 were used to identify and locate major thermal fronts at the sea surface. These data were then used to glean certain statistics on these fronts. In situ data were used, when available, to determine temperature difference across specified thermal fronts. This study was performed in three regional locations of interest to OTEC. The specific regions are: Region I, Eastern Gulf of Mexico (bounded by 22 N to 30 N and 91 W to the west coast of Florida including the Straits of Florida); Region II, the east coast of Florida (bounded by 23 N to 32 N and the east coast of Florida to 79 W); and Region III, Puerto Rico and vicinity, (bounded by 17 to 19 N, 64 to 68 W). Results are presented and discussed.

The quantification and description of sea surface temperature (SST) is critically important because it can influence the distribution, migration, and invasion of marine species; furthermore, SSTs are expected to be affected by climate change. Recent research indicates that there has been a warming trend in ocean temperatures over the last 50 years. Hence, we sought to identify and demonstrate how a particularly germane SST dataset can be used within the scope of global climate change research. For this project we assembled a 29-year nearshore time series of mean monthly SSTs along the North Pacific coastline, as well as mean monthly SSTs for ice-free regions of the Arctic, using remotely-sensed satellite data collected with the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) instrument. By providing detailed information concerning both dataset generation and data limitations, we aimed to make these data comprehensible to an expanded audience concentrating on life sciences rather than the traditionally physical science-based community. Furthermore, by making these data freely and publically available in multiple formats, including GIS (geographic information systems) layers, we expand their visibility and the extent of their use. We then used the dataset to describe SST patterns of nearshore (

Content: Observations from satellites: potential impact on the United States fishery; Some considerations affecting satellite data contributions to fisheries; Sea surface effects and considerations related to remote sensing from orbiting satellites; State of the art: all weather-sea surface sensing.

Climate and other environmental changes are drawing unprecedented concern and attention from national governments, international organizations and local communities. Global warming has left noticeable impacts on the environment and the ecosystems it supports (including humans), and has important implications for sustainable economic and social development in the future. Satellite observations of climate and environmental change have become an increasingly important tool in recent years in helping to shape the response of international communities to this critical global challenge. The book presents the latest advances in satellite-based remote sensing of the Earth’s environment - ranging from applications in climate and atmospheric science to hydrology, oceanography, hydrology, geomorphology, ecology and fire studies. Introductory chapters also cover key technical aspects such as instrumentation, calibration, data analysis, and GIS tools for decision-making.