Taking the temperature of the oceans

Taking the temperature of the oceans

Taking the temperature of the oceans Key learning points: Sea surface temperature was historically measured from ships, but these measurements are too few to describe the whole ocean. Now, sea surface temperature is measured by sensors on satellites. Some sensors measure temperature using the thermal infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, other sensors use the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Satellite measurements allow scientists to collect data over the entire globe regularly so we can see how the ocean changes in time. There are some limitations to collecting sea surface temperature by satellite, as they can only ‘see’ the very surface (skin) of the water, which is why other measurements from buoys and ships, as well as ocean models are also needed.