These tiny changes might seem insignificant, but remember that the tilt of the surface can result in an ocean current carrying several millions of cubic meters of water per second. Through several interactive computers and graphic displays, visitors will learn that oceans strongly influence the atmosphere and dramatically impact the weather. From data about sea surface height, scientists are learning about ocean currents, climate, seasonal changes, winds, waves and weather, global sea level change, eddy detection and El Niqo events. This information has also turned out to be unexpectedly useful for marine mammal surveys and shipping operations. Of particular interest are eddies, swirls of water currents that spin off from a large current or are forced by wind, that are comparable to atmospheric storms.
Eddies play an important role in transporting heat, salt and nutrients around the globe.
Ocean eddies can last for weeks or months, can have diameters of tens to hundreds of kilometers, and can extend deep into the sea. Rapidly swirling eddies cause the greatest changes in sea height. Satellite tracking of eddies has proven useful in studies of the distribution and abundance of whales. Information from the satellite is used to generate near real-time maps, which can direct marine biologists to areas where whales are likely to be found. New England Aquarium right whale researchers have also used information from this satellite to help them find right whales.