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Gravity is the field around the Earth that can be measured by satellites, such as GRACE. Changes in the gravity field are related to change or transportation of mass, which can provide information on ocean circulation, glacial melt, droughts or geodesy. With ocean circulation water masses are moving and this can be tracked by observing changes in the gravity field. >>
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Sea Surface Salinity is the saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water. It is a general term used to describe the levels of different salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, and bicarbonates. >>
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SST is a measure of the kinetic energy of the atoms and molecules of the very top layer of the ocean. The overwhelming majority of SST data are sensed via spaceborne radiometers and are measured from approximately 10 µm below the surface (infrared bands) to 1mm (microwave bands) depths using radiometers. >>
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Ocean Currents & Circulation are continuous, directed movements of ocean water generated by the forces acting upon this mean flow, such as breaking waves, wind, the Coriolis force, temperature and salinity differences and tides caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. >>
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Ocean Surface Topography consists of significant wave height (SWH), sea surface height (SSH) and anomalies (SSHA). SWH is the average wave height of the third tallest waves that are measured under the satellite. SSH is the height of the sea surface above the Earth, assuming the Earth was smooth. SSHA is the sea surface height with the mean sea surface and geophysical effects, i.e. tides or atmospheric pressure, removed. >>
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Ocean Wind is defined as the motion of the atmosphere relative to the surface of the ocean. Typically ocean winds are measured very close to the ocean surface by buoys, platforms, and ships. The most common reference height for near-surface ocean wind measurements is 10 meters above sea level. >>
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Sea Ice forms within the polar oceans when the seawater temperatures reach the local freezing point. The sea ice cover in the polar oceans play a fundamental role in the global climate and oceanographic system for several reasons. >>
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