Learn About Core Measurements, related Missions and Instruments

Gravity
is the field around the Earth that can be measured by satellites, such as GRACE. Changes in the gravity field are related to change or transportation of mass, which can provide information on ocean circulation, glacial melt, droughts or geodesy.  With ocean circulation water masses are moving and this can be tracked by observing changes in the gravity field.   >>


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Sea Surface Salinity
is the saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water. It is a general term used to describe the levels of different salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, and bicarbonates.   >>


Sea Surface Temperature (SST)
is a measure of the kinetic energy of the atoms and molecules of the very top layer of the ocean. The overwhelming majority of SST data are sensed via spaceborne radiometers and are measured from approximately 10 µm below the surface (infrared bands) to 1mm (microwave bands) depths using radiometers.  >>

 


 


Ocean Current and Circulation

are continuous, directed movements of ocean water generated by the forces acting upon this mean flow, such as breaking waves, wind, the Coriolis force, temperature and salinity differences and tides caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. >>

 

Ocean Surface Topography
consists of significant wave height (SWH), sea surface height (SSH) and anomalies (SSHA).  SWH is the average wave height of the third tallest waves that are measured under the satellite.  SSH is the height of the sea surface above the Earth, assuming the Earth was smooth.  SSHA is the sea surface height with the mean sea surface and geophysical effects, i.e. tides or atmospheric pressure, removed.  >>

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Ocean Wind
is defined as the motion of the atmosphere relative to the surface of the ocean. Typically ocean winds are measured very close to the ocean surface by buoys, platforms, and ships. The most common reference height for near-surface ocean wind measurements is 10 meters above sea level.    >>