Researchers from Physical Oceanography and other SIO curricula are involved in most of those new developments. In physical oceanography at Scripps, we use remote sensing in various ways. The outcome of those studies is important for the dynamical interpretation of ocean observations and for the improvement of present ocean general circulation models. Figure 2 shows an example of sea surface variability estimates obtained from the satellite altimeter. Ocean circulation is highly variable, especially near major current systems, such as the Gulf Stream.
Variability is associated with eddies, phenomena similar to weather patterns in the atmosphere.
Satellites see these eddies because they influence sea surface height and sea surface temperature. Remote sensing research in physical oceanography at SIO offers exciting opportunities for new graduate students to become involved in an increasingly important field. Active research involves sea surface temperature, sea surface height, surface wind stress, and air-sea interaction. Note the large variability associated with strong ocean currents that are involved in mixing and transporting heat poleward, where it is then released to the atmosphere.