A statistical approach for determining subsurface thermal structure from sea surface temperature in the northeast Pacific Ocean

Description

Bathythermograph data acquired from the research vessel USNS SILAS BENT along a meridional track in the Northeast Pacific during September 1977 were statistically analyzed to determine possible associations between the subsurface thermal structures and sea surface temperature. Strongly correlated variables (thermocline gradients, mixed layer depth, and locations of the seasonal and main thermoclines) within the vertical temperature profile were used in linear regression methods to form empirical relationships. The generated equations then are utilized to define the subsurface thermal structure from only an input of sea surface temperature. Comparison tests with temporally and spatially removed BT data were conducted with results indicating successful application within a water mass domain with uniformly changing characteristics

Subjects

Series Statement

• NPS-68-83-003