NASA satellites Hurricane Irene almost one-third the size of US east coast
Hurricane Irene's diameter is nearly one-third the length of the U.S. Atlantic coastline, with winds extending 255 miles from its center.
Ocean Surface Temperature
Articles tagged with Ocean Surface Temperature
NASA's NPP satellite completes comprehensive testing
The NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) has successfully completed its most comprehensive end-to-end compatibility test. The NPP satellite contains a suite of five sensors that will make measurements to continue producing key data products about Earth.
AGU journal highlights -- July 29, 2011
Researchers studied sea surface temperatures to understand Earth's temperature trend, finding large variability that could mask anthropogenic warming. Meanwhile, a new study detected ionospheric disturbances caused by the Tohoku earthquake in Japan, with ripples in ionized gas nearly 350 kilometers above the Earth.
NASA sees dramatic temperatures around Tropical Depression 11W
Tropical Depression 11W exhibits a significant temperature contrast between its cold cloud tops (-63°F) and warm sea surface (80°F), with a difference of 143 degrees. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon and recurve to the northeast, posing threats to Yap State (Micronesia).
NASA and NOAA satellite video shows Tropical Storm Beatriz fizzle in 6 hours
Tropical Storm Beatriz rapidly weakened after making landfall in Mexico's western mountains, transforming from a strong tropical storm to a weak tropical depression within six hours. The storm's remnants are now moving over cooler sea surface temperatures with a slim chance of regenerating due to sub-80°F waters.
System 92E looking more like a developing east Pacific tropical storm
System 92E is a low-pressure area in the Eastern Pacific Ocean that has gained organization and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm. Favorable environmental conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures and light vertical wind shear, are contributing to its development.
Ocean warming detrimental to inshore fish species
A CSIRO Australia study found that ocean warming is detrimental to the growth of a long-lived south-east Australian and New Zealand inshore species, the banded morwong. The research team analyzed long-term changes in the growth rates of the banded morwong and observed slowed growth at warmer temperatures.
West Antarctic warming triggered by warmer sea surface in tropical Pacific
New research shows that warmer sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean drive atmospheric circulation that brings warmer temperatures to West Antarctica during winter and spring. This is driven by a Rossby wave train pattern, which can account for half to all of the observed winter temperature changes in West Antarctica.
NASA satellite attends the birth of Tropical Storm Bune in Southern Pacific
Tropical Cyclone Bune formed from System 99P in the South Pacific Ocean, intensifying into a tropical storm with strong winds and high waves. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared images showing the storm's strongest convection on its north side, indicating powerful thunderstorms.
NASA's Aqua Satellite spies a '3-leaf Clover' view of Ireland for St. Patrick's Day
The Aqua satellite provided near-infrared/visible, infrared, and microwave light views of Ireland on March 3, 2011, capturing mostly clear skies with temperatures near normal for the time of year. The images revealed a cold front approaching from the west and showed navigable rivers extending inland.
NASA sees former Tropical Storm Carlos still a soaker in the Northern Territory
Former Tropical Storm Carlos continues to dump heavy rainfall on Australia's Northern Territory after moving inland. The storm's powerful thunderstorms and cold cloud tops are causing flooding and strong winds.
Why leatherback turtles linger in South Pacific Gyre, and why it matters
Researchers tagged and tracked leatherback turtles for five years, revealing why they linger in the gyre despite its nutrient-poor conditions. The data suggest that jellyfish are abundant in the area, providing a crucial source of food for the turtles, which explains their feeding behavior and diving patterns.
The water temperature in the subtropical Atlantic falls due to wind action
Researchers have recorded a 0.15°C drop in subtropical Atlantic water temperature between 1998 and 2006, attributed to wind-induced circulation. This finding challenges climate change theories, highlighting the significance of ocean natural variability.
NASA research finds 2010 tied for warmest year on record
Global surface temperatures in 2010 tied 2005 as the warmest on record, with the next warmest years being statistically tied for third warmest year. The climate has warmed by approximately 0.36F per decade since the late 1970s.
Changes in solar activity affect local climate
Researchers at Lund University found that high solar activity cools surface water temperatures in tropical Pacific regions during the early Holocene. This phenomenon may influence current climate patterns, such as low solar activity coinciding with cold winters.
Threshold sea surface temperature for hurricanes and tropical thunderstorms is rising
A new study finds that rising ocean temperatures are causing the threshold sea surface temperature for hurricanes and tropical thunderstorms to rise, potentially leading to more frequent hurricanes. The study's findings support climate model simulations and provide strong evidence of tropical atmosphere warming.
NOAA: Tagged narwhals track warming near Greenland
Researchers tracked ocean temperatures in Baffin Bay using data from tagged narwhals, finding temperatures nearly a degree Celsius warmer than previous climatology data. The study highlights the importance of monitoring changes in this region, crucial for understanding the Arctic's impact on global climate.
GOES-13 on top of new seventeenth Atlantic (sub) tropical depression
The GOES-13 satellite has identified the 17th Atlantic subtropical depression as Subtropical Depression 17 (TD17), with a tight circulation and long tail of clouds. TD17 is forecast to move into a more favorable environment, potentially intensifying into a tropical depression or storm.
NASA sees colder cloud-top temps in new Tropical Depression 16, warnings up
Tropical Depression 16 has strengthened due to cold cloud top temperatures, indicating stronger thunderstorms. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and squally conditions to the Caribbean before moving towards Florida.
GOES-13 sees a weaker Hurricane Julia in the 'tropical trio'
Hurricane Julia has weakened to a Category 2 storm due to wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. The storm is being pulled northwest by mid-level winds, causing its main convection to shift away from the center, resulting in weakening.
Stunning NASA infrared imagery of Hurricane Igor reveals a 170 degree temperature difference
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder captured icy cold cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Igor, with readings as low as -90F. The storm's eye showed a warmer, open area with sea surface temperatures powering it.
New study reveals decline of marine phytoplankton over the past century
A new study reveals a global decline of marine phytoplankton over the past century, with declines of about 1% per year. The decline is strongly correlated with rising sea surface temperatures and changing ocean conditions.
Final instruments on NASA climate/weather satellite integrated
The NPP satellite will collect and distribute remotely sensed data on land, ocean, and atmosphere, providing atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, humidity, and ozone measurements. The CrIS instrument will combine with the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder to provide global atmospheric temperature, moisture, and pressure profiles.
NASA satellites see System 97L serve up a soaking
System 97L is developing into a system with intense rainfall, affecting Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Hispaniola. NASA satellite data shows strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops, indicating potential for a tropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Alex now in Gulf of Mexico, brought heavy rainfall to Belize, Yucatan
Tropical Storm Alex has brought heavy rainfall to Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula, with total rain accumulations expected to reach 4-8 inches over the region. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next several days as it heads north into the western Gulf of Mexico.
NASA infrared imagery shows well-defined eye in Category 5 Celia
Celia's well-defined eye is visible in NASA's infrared image, measuring 15-20 nautical miles wide. High cloud tops indicate strong thunderstorms, while warm sea surface temperatures support the storm's development.
Celia now in the Major Leagues: a category three hurricane
Celia has become the first major hurricane of the season in the Eastern Pacific, reaching Category Three strength with maximum sustained winds of near 115 mph. As she moves westward, Celia is expected to strengthen further today before weakening due to cooler sea surface temperatures.
NASA infrared imagery hinted Darby would become a hurricane
NASA infrared imagery hinted Darby would become a hurricane due to strong convection and rapidly rising air. The storm intensified into category one hurricane on June 24, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
The key role of the oceans' subpolar regions in the climate control of the tropics is confirmed
A study published in Science reveals that the Northern Pacific and Southern Atlantic's subpolar regions have played a crucial role in shaping tropical climates. This research provides empirical evidence that high-latitude oceans can influence tropical climate patterns, with potential implications for future global warming scenarios.
Carbon dioxide is the missing link to past global climate changes
A research team found that tropical ocean surface temperatures dropped by 1-3 degrees Celsius during each Ice Age, coinciding with the spread of ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere. The study suggests carbon dioxide played a major role in controlling global climate patterns, beginning with the Ice Ages and continuing today.
Polar oceans key to temperature in the tropics
A study published in Science reveals that changes in subpolar climates influenced the development of the modern tropical Pacific climate. The research, led by Newcastle University's Dr Erin McClymont, used marine sediment analysis to reconstruct ocean temperatures during the Pliocene Era.
Climate changes in the Atlantic can affect drought in distant regions
Researchers from University of Haifa found that North Atlantic Ocean temperature changes can lead to droughts in the Sahel region, and conversely, rising temperatures bring rain. The study analyzed climate parameters over the 20th century, identifying correlations between Atlantic waves and droughts in the region.
A cooler Pacific may have severely affected medieval Europe, North America
A new study found a connection between La Niña-like sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific and droughts in western Europe and the American West. The cooler Pacific Ocean led to arid conditions, contributing to the departure of the Anastazi people.
FSU scientists use unique model to predict active 2010 hurricane season
Florida State University scientists forecast an unusually active 2010 hurricane season with a predicted average of 17 named storms, including 10 that develop into hurricanes. Their unique computer model has already outperformed other models and demonstrated precision in previous forecasts.
A NASA satellite mosaic of twin tropical troublesome cyclones: Tomas and Ului
Tropical Cyclone Ului is a Category Three storm in the South Pacific Ocean, affecting the Solomon Islands and expected to turn west towards Australia. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Tomas is weakening due to cooler sea surface temperatures and vertical wind shear, posing a threat to Fiji.
Tropical Storm Olga: Three times a lady
NASA satellite imagery shows Tropical Storm Olga regaining strength in the Gulf of Carpentaria, with estimated sea level pressure near 989 millibars. Residents in Northern Territory and Queensland are under tropical cyclone warnings and watches due to expected landfall on January 30.
NASA research finds last decade was warmest on record, 2009 one of warmest years
The past year was tied for the second warmest since 1880, while January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Global temperatures have increased by about 1.5 degrees F (0.8 degrees C) since 1880.
Arctic could face warmer and ice-free conditions
Scientists find evidence that Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas may experience seasonally ice-free conditions and much warmer temperatures in the future. USGS research suggests that current climate models underestimate sea ice loss, with potential consequences including accelerated coastal erosion and impacts on polar bears and seals.
Ancient algae provide insights into Earth's response to global warming
Scientists analyzed early Pliocene algae records to find evidence of sustained coastal upwelling off California's coast, even in a warmer climate. This insight provides valuable information on how ocean currents drive regional and global climate patterns.
New discoveries could improve climate projections
Researchers have discovered that the deep ocean's temperature variability and circulation system are more complex than previously thought, leading to more accurate predictions of sea level rise and ice volume changes. The study uses a 3-D reconstruction of an ocean during a past warm period to gain insights into global climate dynamics.
Climate change in Kuwait Bay
Researchers found Kuwait Bay's sea surface temperature rose at an average rate of 0.62°C per decade, three times the global average. This increase is attributed to 50% due to local drivers such as wind and river flow, while 13% is caused by human activity.
NASA captures Typhoon Nida's clouds from 2 angles
Typhoon Nida's maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph, with tropical storm force winds extending 150 miles from the center. NASA's CloudSat satellite captured a side look across Nida on Nov. 28, showing clouds over 15 kilometers high and heavy rainfall areas.
NASA's QuikScat and Aqua providing important data on Tropical Storm Anja
Tropical Storm Anja has weakened, with its maximum sustained winds dropping to 63 mph thanks to NASA's QuikScat satellite. The storm is moving south-southeast at 23 mph and is expected to dissipate by the weekend, posing no threat to landmasses.
AGU journal highlights -- Nov. 5, 2009
Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight regional warming trends in Antarctica, improved models for shoreline loss, and the contribution of reservoirs to triggering devastating earthquakes. Scientists have developed new methods to analyze climate data, storm impacts on shorelines, and natural hazards.
Tropical Depression Neki nulled by cool waters and wind shear
A tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph was downgraded late yesterday as cooler waters and increasing wind shear took their toll. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) detected the disintegration of Tropical Depression Neki using its satellite imagery, revealing a surface trough in low clouds.
Luzon expecting a Lupit landfall
Typhoon Lupit is expected to make a brief landfall in northern Luzon, the Philippines on October 22. The storm's eye is forecast to hit around 8 p.m. local time, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region.
Baja California residents watching for Hurricane Rick
Tropical Storm Rick is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend, with warm sea surface temperatures and light wind shear contributing to its growth. Residents of southern and central Baja California are advised to prepare for potential evacuations from coastal areas if the forecast holds.
New temperature reconstruction from Indo-Pacific warm pool
A new 2,000-year-long reconstruction of sea surface temperatures in the Indo-Pacific warm pool suggests temperatures may have been as warm during the Medieval Warm Period as they are today. This study contributes to scientists' efforts towards improving global temperature reconstructions.
Evolution: Crabs go deep to avoid hot water
A study reveals that king crabs' ability to live in low-temperature waters drove their evolution and spread globally, while also influencing the distribution of other marine species. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, highlights the importance of temperature in shaping the biology and ecology of deep-sea creatures.
Sediment yields climate record for past half-million years
Scientists have created a high-resolution climate record from ocean sediment dating back over 500,000 years, revealing four glacial cycles and the warming of North Atlantic waters. The record provides valuable insights into the extent of ancient ice sheets and their impact on ocean currents.
Megadroughts in sub-Saharan Africa normal for the region
Researchers have developed an almost year-by-year record of the last 3,000 years of West Africa's climate, revealing that catastrophic droughts occurred every 30 to 65 years. The new research suggests that global warming may exacerbate the normal climate pattern, producing even more severe and prolonged droughts.
CO2 drop and global cooling caused Antarctic glacier to form
A team of Yale scientists has discovered that a significant drop in CO2 levels triggered the rapid formation of massive ice sheets in Antarctica around 34 million years ago. The findings refute previous theories and suggest that a decline in greenhouse gases played a crucial role in shaping the climate during this period.
Prehistoric global cooling caused by CO2, research finds
A team of researchers found evidence of widespread cooling in Antarctica around 35 million years ago, which was caused by a significant drop in greenhouse gases, particularly CO2. The study used computer modeling and temperature proxies to determine the cause of the cooling.
2008 was Earth's coolest year since 2000
The NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies found that 2008 was the coolest year on record since 2000, with most of the world experiencing near-normal or warmer temperatures. A strong La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean contributed to the cooling effect.
China monsoon rainfall prediction and Pacific surface-subsurface sea temperature anomalies
Researchers predict regional summer monsoon rainfall in China up to 2 seasons ahead by analyzing Pacific SSTA and STA signals. The subtropical summer monsoon has shown a long-term increasing trend, but southern regions have experienced a deducing trend since 1998.
Satellites confirm half-century of West Antarctic warming
Researchers used a novel combination of historical temperature data and satellite records to reconstruct a 50-year history of surface temperatures across Antarctica. The analysis confirms that West Antarctica warmed at a higher rate than the rest of the continent.
Project MARGO: A new tool which improves the reliability of climate models
Researchers created MARGO, a new quantitative tool that reconstructs sea surface temperatures during the Last Glacial Maximum. The study provides more exhaustive data than previous models and helps identify aspects to improve climate modeling, particularly in representing temperature gradients and ocean currents.
NOAA-N prime satellite arrives at Vandenberg for launch
The NOAA-N Prime satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, will provide a polar-orbiting platform for environmental monitoring instruments. The satellite will assist in measuring Earth's atmosphere, surface, and cloud cover, as well as supporting the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system.
It's relative: Contrasting hurricane theories heat up
Scientists explore relationship between sea surface temperature and seasonal hurricane activity, finding differing interpretations of observational record can imply vastly different futures. The 'relative' SST hypothesis suggests a similar recent past trend with natural climate variability, while the local SST hypothesis predicts highe...
No-take zones offer no boost for bleached reefs
A team of scientists found that current protection zones are ineffective in preventing coral reef collapse due to climate change. New areas need to be established to focus on escaping or recovering regions, while managing the entire system is crucial for long-term survival.