The temperature of water at the surface of the Oceans is measured by satellites every 3 hours, every day. Temperatures are usually between 1 degree C and 20 degrees C. A wide range of colors is used to emphasize the subtle variations in temperature. In this image, orange and red colors represent warmer waters, while green and blue colors represent the colder areas.

This sea surface data was obtained through the NOAA/TIROS Operational Meteorological Satellites (NOAA-7, -9, and -11). The data was provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This animation sequence is a composite view of the earth in infrared radiation with clouds removed.

Data supplied by: William Rossow of the GIS Global Processing Center for ISCCP.