Sea Surface Temperature (SST)
Understanding sea surface temperature and how it varies across the globe over time is incredibly important. The oceans cover 71 percent of the earth's surface. Ocean temperatures have a huge influence on global weather patterns, and play a major role in shaping the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Ocean temperatures help control what species of plants, animals and microbes can live in a given location, and can alter important animal behaviours such as migration and breeding. When ocean temperatures rise too far above or below typical levels, key marine life such as corals and seaweeds can be damaged or die. Changes in ocean temperature can also alter the local and regional circulation of ocean waters, which can affect the primary and secondary productivity of entire reef and ocean ecosystems.
Click on the following links to see:
- how sea surface temperature varies around Australia between seasons
- how much variation in sea surface temperature is observed within each season
The summer sea surface temperature is shown in the interactive map below.
How to use this map
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Click on this icon at the top left of the map to see a full screen version and to see the legend. |
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Click on this icon also at the top left of the map to zoom in closer to (+) or further from (-) the map. |