Sea Surface Temperature

Definition

Sea surface temperature (SST) refers to the temperature of the upper layer of the ocean, which plays a crucial role in regulating climate and weather patterns. Variations in SST can affect atmospheric circulation, influence storm formation, and contribute to climate phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña. Understanding SST is essential for grasping how the ocean interacts with the atmosphere and impacts global climate systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sea surface temperature can vary greatly depending on geographical location, time of year, and local weather conditions.
2. Changes in sea surface temperature are closely monitored because they can indicate potential weather events like hurricanes or monsoons.
3. SST is a key factor in ocean-atmosphere interactions that influence global climate patterns, including temperature anomalies.
4. El Niño events are characterized by a significant increase in sea surface temperature in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.
5. SST plays an important role in marine ecosystems, influencing fish migration patterns and marine biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How does sea surface temperature impact atmospheric circulation and weather patterns?
  • Sea surface temperature directly influences atmospheric circulation by altering air pressure and wind patterns. Warmer SST can lead to increased evaporation, resulting in more moisture in the atmosphere, which can enhance precipitation and storm development. This interaction is vital for understanding local weather phenomena and predicting extreme weather events.
• In what ways does sea surface temperature relate to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon?
  • Sea surface temperature is a fundamental component of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). During an El Niño event, warmer sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean disrupt typical wind patterns, leading to significant changes in global weather, including droughts and heavy rainfall in various regions. Conversely, during La Niña, cooler SSTs can cause opposite weather effects. Monitoring SST is crucial for predicting these oscillations and their global impacts.
• Evaluate the implications of rising sea surface temperatures on global climate change and marine ecosystems.
  • Rising sea surface temperatures due to climate change have serious implications for both global climate systems and marine ecosystems. Warmer waters contribute to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and disrupt traditional weather patterns. Additionally, higher SST affects marine biodiversity by altering species distribution, harming coral reefs through bleaching, and influencing fish populations essential for food security. The cascading effects of rising SST highlight the interconnectedness of climate systems and ecological health.

Related terms

Thermocline: The thermocline is a distinct layer in the ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth, separating warmer surface water from colder deep water.

Ocean Currents: Ocean currents are large-scale flows of seawater that move continuously through the world's oceans, significantly influencing heat distribution and climate.

Heat Capacity: Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance, which for water, affects how heat is absorbed and released in oceanic systems.