Sea surface density, global map

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Sea surface density, global map

Sea surface density, global map. The density of the surface water of the worlds oceans is calculated from measurements of temperature and salinity. Here, light blue regions are of low density, with darker blue being regions of high density. The results show that while the variation is relatively small, there are three stable regions of denser water, one in the north around Iceland, and the other two in the south, associated with Antarctic ice shelves. These masses of water sink, driving the Thermohaline Circulation and the worlds deep ocean currents. This has a major effect on the worlds climate. The data used in this map is from the World Ocean Atlas 2005

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6282527

© NASA/GSFC-SVS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

2005 Climate Change Climatological Climatology Current Currents Earth Science Earth Sciences Environmental Science Experiment Global Global Warming Gulf Stream Measurement Measurements Oceanographic Oceanography Physical Geography Planetary Properties Property Results Scale Surface World World Wide

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a global map of sea surface density, revealing the intricate patterns and dynamics of our planet's oceans. The density of the surface water is determined by measuring temperature and salinity, with lighter shades of blue indicating low density and darker shades representing higher density regions. Despite relatively small variations, three stable areas stand out prominently on this map. One lies in the northern hemisphere around Iceland, while the other two are located in the southern hemisphere near Antarctic ice shelves. These denser masses of water play a crucial role in driving the Thermohaline Circulation and deep ocean currents worldwide. As they sink, they initiate a complex system that influences climate patterns across the globe. This phenomenon has significant implications for our planet's climate as it affects heat distribution and circulation within Earth's oceans. The data used to create this remarkable map is sourced from the World Ocean Atlas 2005—a comprehensive collection of measurements gathered through extensive research and experimentation conducted by scientists at various institutions such as the Ocean Climate Laboratory and National Oceanographic Data Center. This visually stunning image not only highlights key geographical properties but also serves as a reminder of how interconnected our world is—where changes in one part can have far-reaching consequences for climates thousands of miles away.

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