ESTIMATES OF NET AIR-SEA FLUXES FOR THE TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL ATLANTIC BASED ON SATELLITE DATA

  • Katsaros, Kristina B. (University of Miami, Department of Applied Physics) ;
  • Pinker, Rachel T. (University of Maryland, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science) ;
  • Bentamy, Abderrahim (Institut Francais de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer) ;
  • Carton, James A. (University of Maryland, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science) ;
  • Drennan, William M. (University of Miami, Department of Applied Physics) ;
  • Mestas-Nunez, Alberto M. (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Physical & Environmental Sciences)
  • Published : 2006.11.02

Abstract

We estimate the net heat flux in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean using satellite data. These fluxes are related to changes in sea surface temperature (SST). This variable influences atmospheric circulations and is indicative of surface and subsurface oceanic circulations. We employ data from the geostationary METEOSAT-7 and 8 satellites and from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) for the shortwave and long-wave radiative fluxes, and for estimates of SST. For turbulent flux calculations, we use the bulk aerodynamic method with satellite estimates for wind speed and atmospheric humidity and temperature.

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