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Climate
Research: By modeling changes in the distribution of
heat in the ocean, scientists can study the evolution of weather
patterns from the ocean system. |
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El
Niño & La Niña Forecasting: Understanding
the pattern and effects of climate
cycles such as El Niño
helps predict and mitigate the disastrous effects of floods
and drought. |
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Hurricane
Forecasting: Altimeter and scatterometer
data are incorporated into atmospheric models for hurricane
season forecasting and individual storm severity. |
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Ship
Routing: Maps of currents, eddies,
and vector winds are used in commercial shipping and recreational
yachting to optimize routes. |
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Offshore
Industries: Cable-laying vessels and offshore
oil operations require accurate knowledge of ocean circulation
patterns to minimize impacts from strong currents.
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Marine Mammal Research: Sperm whales,
fur seals, and other marine mammals can be tracked, and therefore studied, around ocean eddies
where nutrients and plankton are abundant.
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Fisheries Management: Satellite data
identify ocean eddies which bring an increase in organisms that comprise the marine food web,
attracting fish and fishermen.
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Lobster Larvae Survival Studies: The study
shows that altimeter derived geostrophic currents may be of use in predicting natural repopulation success.
Repopulation is a topic of growing interest as over fishing occurs and efforts are made to replenish stock.
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Coral Reef Research: Remotely sensed
data are used to monitor and assess coral reef ecosystems, which are sensitive to changes in
ocean temperature.
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Ocean Debris Tracking: Floating
and partially submerged material consisting of nets, timber and ship debris is increasing with human population and increasing
contact with the sea. This material is capable of physically destroying coral and entangling animals.
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