How do we gather and use ocean surface current data?
Ocean surface current research focuses on six threads: Older methods include tracking drifting objects (flotsam) and shift drift data (from navigation logs). Newer methods include satellite derived currents, surface current following drifters, surface feature tracking, and high frequency radar studies. The following satellites and the instruments they carry are used for this research: • TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 measure ocean surface topography and circulation response to winds. These measurements allow scientists to study the ties between the oceans and atmosphere, to improve global climate forecasts and predictions, and to monitor events such as El Niño conditions and ocean eddies. • QuikSCAT uses the on-board SeaWinds instrument to observe wind speed and direction. The QuikSCAT mission seeks to acquire all-weather, high-resolution measurements of near-surface winds over the global oceans. SeaWinds data is also combined with measurements from scientific instruments in other discipli
