Fast temperature changes in the upwelling area along the NW coast of Africa¹

Abstract

Data from a scanning radiometer in the infrared and from a television camera which was sensitive in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum were applied to derive temperature patterns over cloud-free regions. Imageries from the Nimbus IV satellite were colour enhanced to detect patchiness and fast variations in the distribution of sea surface temperature.

The analysis of satellite information indicated very fast changes of sea surface temperature over large areas which could not be surveyed synoptically with conventional ship measurements.

Author notes

¹Colour illustrations have been printed with financial assistance from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

²Present address: 245 E. 40th Street 31J, New York, N.Y. 10016, U.S.A.