How do we study and measure ocean currents and temperatures?
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Studying and Measuring Ocean Currents and Temperatures
Introduction to Ocean Currents and Temperature Measurement
Understanding ocean currents and temperatures is crucial for comprehending global climate dynamics, marine navigation, and biogeochemical cycles. Various methods and technologies have been developed to measure these parameters accurately and efficiently.
Satellite-Based Measurement Techniques
Doppler Scatterometer and Radiometers
The Ocean Surface Current Multiscale Observation Mission (OSCOM) aims to revolutionize the measurement of ocean surface currents by using a satellite equipped with a Doppler Scatterometer. This technology will provide high-resolution data (5-10 km) with a 3-day global coverage. Additionally, the satellite will carry Surface Temperature Infrared and Microwave Radiometers to simultaneously observe ocean surface currents, vector winds, and sea surface temperatures.
Altimetric Measurements
Traditionally, ocean currents have been derived from Sea Surface Height (SSH) measurements using satellite altimeters. However, this method is limited to large-scale currents (greater than 50-70 km). To enhance the resolution, combining altimetric data with high-resolution Sea Surface Temperature (SST) observations has been proposed. This approach can improve the accuracy of current estimates, especially for smaller scales .
Microwave Radiometers
Microwave radiometers offer another promising method for measuring SST, which can be used to infer ocean currents. This technique is particularly effective in regions with strong thermal gradients and mesoscale activity, such as extratropical current systems .
Numerical Models and Data Assimilation
WAVEWATCH-III and Stony Brook Parallel Ocean Model
Numerical models like WAVEWATCH-III (WW3) and the Stony Brook Parallel Ocean Model (sbPOM) are employed to simulate wave distributions and water temperatures. These models use data from various sources, including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). Validation against buoy measurements has shown high accuracy, making these models reliable for studying the interrelation of currents, sea level anomalies, and significant wave heights.
Surface Quasi-Geostrophic (SQG) Approximation
The SQG approximation is a method used to reconstruct surface currents from SST measurements. This approach has shown promising results in capturing the direction and magnitude of ocean currents at smaller scales (10-20 km) when compared to traditional altimetric methods .
Advanced Sensor Technologies
Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors
FBG sensors provide high-resolution and continuous measurements of seawater temperature and depth. These sensors are advantageous over traditional piezoelectric ceramic-based instruments due to their waterproof nature and high accuracy (0.01°C for temperature and 0.1% for depth).
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
SAR technology, combined with interferometry, allows for the remote measurement of near-surface ocean currents. This method has shown accuracy within 20% of conventional measurements, making it a viable option for routine monitoring of global ocean currents.
Conclusion
The study and measurement of ocean currents and temperatures have significantly advanced with the development of satellite-based technologies, numerical models, and high-resolution sensors. Combining various methods, such as altimetric data with SST observations and employing advanced sensor technologies like FBG and SAR, provides a comprehensive understanding of ocean dynamics. These advancements are crucial for improving climate models, marine navigation, and understanding biogeochemical cycles.
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