Sea surface temperature (SST) is the temperature of the ocean’s uppermost layer, typically measured within the top millimeter to several meters, depending on instrumentation and protocol. It is a fundamental variable in physical oceanography and climate science, governing air–sea heat fluxes, evaporation, and the development of atmospheric circulation patterns. SST strongly influences ocean stratification, mixed-layer dynamics, and the formation of phenomena such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation. It is observed using in situ sensors (buoys, ships, Argo floats) and satellite radiometers, with careful corrections for skin versus bulk temperature, diurnal warming, and instrumental biases to support climate monitoring and coupled model validation.
Scientists have developed a new method to measure ocean surface currents over large areas in greater detail than ever before. Called GOFLOW (Geostationary Ocean Flow), the approach applies deep learning to thermal images ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 13, 2026
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The tropical Pacific Ocean and the frozen expanse of Antarctica sit more than 10,000 kilometers apart. Yet new research shows that when surface waters warm near the equator in northern winter, the Antarctic stratosphere responds ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 25, 2026
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In 2016, Antarctic sea ice, which had previously shown record expansion, shifted rapidly toward unusually low levels. This abrupt shift left scientists scratching their heads, wondering why it had vanished so quickly despite ...
Sea ice around Antarctica expanded for several decades until a dramatic decline in 2015. The reasons behind this are revealed by research led by the University of Gothenburg, which is published in Nature Climate Change.
Earth Sciences
Mar 18, 2026
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The South China Sea (SCS), a vital marine region supporting rich biodiversity, productive fisheries, and extensive coral reefs, faces growing threats from marine heat waves (MHWs). While surface MHWs have drawn attention, ...
Environment
Mar 17, 2026
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The South China Sea Throughflow (SCSTF) serves as a critical oceanic conveyor belt for heat and freshwater, mediating water exchanges between the South China Sea (SCS) and the Pacific and Indian oceans while regulating key ...
Earth Sciences
Feb 27, 2026
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A new study has identified a distinct climate precursor in the Mediterranean Sea that can predict winter precipitation levels in the Levant months in advance. The study, published in Weather and Climate Dynamics, is titled ...
Earth Sciences
Feb 24, 2026
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New research shows the effects of marine heat waves on sponges could be much more severe as temperatures rise. More intense marine heat waves as a result of climate change could lead to the mass loss of a sponge species found ...
Plants & Animals
Feb 11, 2026
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With the departure of the research vessel Polarstern from Punta Arenas (Chile) scheduled for this weekend, the "Summer Weddell Sea Outflow Study" (SWOS) international expedition will commence. Up to early April, a multidisciplinary ...
Earth Sciences
Feb 6, 2026
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Arctic sea ice has large effects on the global climate. By cooling the planet, Arctic ice impacts ocean circulation, atmospheric patterns, and extreme weather conditions, even outside the Arctic region. However, climate change ...
Earth Sciences
Feb 3, 2026
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