Observe changes in land surface temperature over the course of 2017, with Terra MODIS images. The images were created using the 8-day composite Terra MODIS LST data product (MOD11C2).
Where can I get current sea-surface temperature data?
The USGS has studied sea-surface temperature in many areas around the globe; you can find publications from these studies in the USGS Publications Warehouse and by searching on the Internet.
World maps and data are available from other agencies, particularly at the NOAA's Sea Surface Temperature , and at the JPL Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center.
For specific data covering coastal areas, consult the NOAA CoastWatch Program.
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Terra MODIS Global Land Surface Temperature 2017
Observe changes in land surface temperature over the course of 2017, with Terra MODIS images. The images were created using the 8-day composite Terra MODIS LST data product (MOD11C2).
Oceanographic Equipment Deployment
An instrumented bottom lander platform is lowered off the stern of the R/V Savannah during deploment
An instrumented bottom lander platform is lowered off the stern of the R/V Savannah during deploment
Polar Bear Exits the Ocean
Polar bear pulling himself out of the ocean onto the sea ice.
Polar bear pulling himself out of the ocean onto the sea ice.
Sun over Arctic Ocean
Picture of the sun over the Arctic Ocean taken from atop the bridge over the bow of the USGC Healy
Picture of the sun over the Arctic Ocean taken from atop the bridge over the bow of the USGC Healy
What is "El Nino" and what are its effects?
Listen to hear the answer.
Conductivity Temperature Depth Profiler (CTD) in Arctic Ocean
The Conductivity Temperature Depth Profiler (CTD) is being lowered in the Arctic Ocean to collect water samples and measure conductivity and temperature as a function of water depth.
The Conductivity Temperature Depth Profiler (CTD) is being lowered in the Arctic Ocean to collect water samples and measure conductivity and temperature as a function of water depth.
Red Morning Sunrise on Atlantic Ocean
Red morning sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean as seen from a barrier island.
Red morning sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean as seen from a barrier island.
Related Content
What is "El Niño" and what are its effects?
The term El Niño (Spanish for 'the Christ Child') refers to a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The low-level surface winds, which normally blow from east to west along the equator (“easterly winds”), instead weaken or, in some cases, start blowing the other direction (from west to east or “westerly winds”)...
Where can I find bathymetric data?
The USGS has made bathymetric surveys for many coastal areas and for a few selected rivers and lakes in the U.S., including Yellowstone Lake, Crater Lake, and Lake Tahoe. Information and data for some of those studies is on the USGS Maps of America's Submerged Lands website. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is the primary source of bathymetric data for the world's oceans. See...
Why is the ocean salty?
Oceans cover about 70 percent of the Earth's surface and about 97 percent of all water on and in the Earth is saline —there's a lot of salty water on our planet. By some estimates, if the salt in the ocean could be removed and spread evenly over the Earth’s land surface it would form a layer more than 500 feet (166 meters) thick, about the height of a 40-story office building. But, where did all...
What is marine geology?
Geology is the study of the Earth. This includes how the Earth was formed, how the Earth has changed since it was formed, the materials that make up the Earth, and the processes that act on it. Marine Geology focuses on areas affected by our oceans including the deep ocean floor, the shallower slopes and shelves that surround the continents, and coastal areas like beaches and estuaries. USGS...
Terra MODIS Global Land Surface Temperature 2017
Observe changes in land surface temperature over the course of 2017, with Terra MODIS images. The images were created using the 8-day composite Terra MODIS LST data product (MOD11C2).
Observe changes in land surface temperature over the course of 2017, with Terra MODIS images. The images were created using the 8-day composite Terra MODIS LST data product (MOD11C2).
Oceanographic Equipment Deployment
An instrumented bottom lander platform is lowered off the stern of the R/V Savannah during deploment
An instrumented bottom lander platform is lowered off the stern of the R/V Savannah during deploment
Polar Bear Exits the Ocean
Polar bear pulling himself out of the ocean onto the sea ice.
Polar bear pulling himself out of the ocean onto the sea ice.
Sun over Arctic Ocean
Picture of the sun over the Arctic Ocean taken from atop the bridge over the bow of the USGC Healy
Picture of the sun over the Arctic Ocean taken from atop the bridge over the bow of the USGC Healy
What is "El Nino" and what are its effects?
Listen to hear the answer.
Conductivity Temperature Depth Profiler (CTD) in Arctic Ocean
The Conductivity Temperature Depth Profiler (CTD) is being lowered in the Arctic Ocean to collect water samples and measure conductivity and temperature as a function of water depth.
The Conductivity Temperature Depth Profiler (CTD) is being lowered in the Arctic Ocean to collect water samples and measure conductivity and temperature as a function of water depth.
Red Morning Sunrise on Atlantic Ocean
Red morning sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean as seen from a barrier island.
Red morning sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean as seen from a barrier island.