An Investigation of Sea Surface Temperature Patterns in the Gulf of Mexico as Determined by an Airborne Infrared Sensor

摘要

Recent advances in infrared technology have made possible near synoptic surveys of sea surface temperature of large oceanic areas from aircraft. In an effort to employ this technology in studies of the circulation of the Gulf of Mexico, six flights were conducted over the central and southern Gulf in 1965 and 1966 to determine the feasibility of defining surface current patterns from gradients of sea temperature, as measured by infrared thermometer. Oceanographic cruise data, and commercial vessel reports of sea temperature taken during this period, have shown that airborne measurements of infrared radiation from the sea surface may be used to delineate reliable horizontal patterns of surface temperature. The airborne data have revealed horizontal temperature changes of 1.5C to 4.0C across the boundary of the major current systems in the Gulf during March, April, and May. The surface currents in the eastern Gulf are postulated from a composite of surface temperature patterns and surface drift data. These investigations have also defined a region, over the continental shelf north of Yucatan, Mexico, of extensive upwelling which is shown to be active from April through September. (Author)