sea-surface temperature
Quick Summary
Sea-surface temperature (SST) refers to the temperature of the uppermost layer of the ocean. This temperature is influenced by incoming solar radiation and varies with latitude, being warmer at the equator and cooler at the poles. Seasonal changes in solar radiation and ocean currents also affect SST.123
The oceans act as significant heat reservoirs, absorbing over 90% of the surplus heat attributed to global warming. This absorption leads to ocean warming, measured as ocean heat content (OHC). SST measurements are crucial for monitoring this warming trend. Ocean warming has far-reaching consequences, including sea-level rise due to thermal expansion and melting ice, altered ocean currents, and changes in weather patterns, such as increased intensity of tropical cyclones. It also impacts marine ecosystems by affecting species distribution, biodiversity, and food chains.14
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