Lesson #3 
Lost and Found...
Real Time Data.....Real Time Data.....Real Time Data.....Real Time Data.....
 
This picture shows how warm Caribbean waters are carried northward by the Gulf Stream.  By using sea surface temperature, oceanographers can track the location of this great ocean river on a daily basis.  Sea surface temperatures can be accessed by different means.  Below are three different possible ways to measure sea surface temperature in the North Atlantic.  If you were sailing in the Gulf Stream, which data would you prefer?
 
      
Below are links to various real time data sites.  Use these links to retrieve real time sea surface temperature data.
 
Ships traveling in the North Atlantic could take sea surface temperature readings as they travel.  Compiling this data can often be difficult and time consuming.  Try Enrichment Activity #1 to develop your own sea surface temperature contour map of the North Atlantic.
       
Ships in the North Atlantic
 
    
Ships Database
 
 
Buoys are located in the North Atlantic Ocean.  Real time sea surface temperature data is available from these buoys.  Collect the current temperature readings available for each buoy.
     
Nantucket Buoy
     

George's Bank Buoy

East of Cape May Buoy
 
Delaware Bay Buoy
 
 
Satellites also provide information on sea surface temperature.  Use the NOAA Satellite link to identify each buoy location.  Collect the current sea surface temperature readings for each location. 
      
NOAA's Real Time Sea Surface Temperature Satellite Data
 
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