Evaluation of AVHRR and GOES SST algorithms using skin temperature data

Satellites in principle measure skin sea surface temperature (SST). However, the coefficients in the NOAA AVHRR SST algorithm were empirically determined using bulk SST measured by buoys or ships at about 1 meter depth below the ocean surface, primarily because of a lack of available skin SST data. Recently, we derived multi-year hourly skin SST data using the TOGA TAO bulk SST and surface wind measurements and demonstrated the significant difference between bulk versus skin SST (Zeng et al., 1999). For one TOGA TAO buoy, we have compared our derived skin SST, observed bulk SST, and co-located NOAA-15 AVHRR SST from Li, et al. (1999).

In the next few months, we will continue to evaluate the relationship between skin, bulk, and satellite SST for more buoy locations and times. We will also derive new coefficients for the existing algorithm using skin SST data and evaluate its impact on satellite SST estimates. Further study will involve working with the GOES satellite data as well and doing similar comparisons. Just like the coefficients in the AVHRR case, those in the GOES SST algorithm were calibrated to bulk SST (Wu et al., 1999). We will present results on both AVHRR and GOES SST at the Conference.