What Is Sea Surface Temperature?
The temperature of the ocean's top layer, which fuels hurricanes and affects coastal weather. In technical terms: The temperature of the upper ocean near the surface, measured by buoys, ships, and satellite radiometers; values of about 26.5 °C (80 °F) or higher through a sufficient depth are generally required for tropical cyclone development.
Also called: SST
Sea Surface Temperature In Plain English
The temperature of the ocean's top layer, which fuels hurricanes and affects coastal weather.
The Technical Definition
The temperature of the upper ocean near the surface, measured by buoys, ships, and satellite radiometers; values of about 26.5 °C (80 °F) or higher through a sufficient depth are generally required for tropical cyclone development.
Lessons That Use Sea Surface Temperature
- How Hurricanes Form Unit 10: Tropical Cyclones
