High resolution (0.25°) SSTs were derived from the AMSR-E, a passive microwave radiometer flying on NASA's AQUA satellite. Remote Sensing Systems distributes the data in high spatial and temporal (daily, weekly, monthly) resolutions for both daytime and nighttime averages. Monthly versions are available on a 1°x1° grid from JPL PO-DAAC as well as the CMIP5 obs4MIPS distribution; these 1°x1° monthly versions were computed from the nighttime averages. Unlike SSTs from ships, buoys, etc, SSTs from AMSR-E are a 'skin' temperature from a layer ~1mm thick.<p>
NOTE: "The AMSR-E antenna stopped spinning at the required speed on Oct 4, 2011. This is most likely due to aging lubricant in the spin mechanism. We no longer produce AMSR-E data products after Oct 4 2011. The AMSR-E instrument continues to function, but with extremely reduced capability. JAXA has released an official statement: Official press release from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)"
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National Center for Atmospheric Research Staff (Eds). Last modified 01 Jul 2016. "The Climate Data Guide: SST (AMSR-E): Sea Surface Temperature from Remote Sensing Systems." Retrieved from https://climatedataguide.ucar.edu/climate-data/sst-amsr-e-sea-surface-temperature-remote-sensing-systems.
Funding: NSF | National Science Foundation
Based at: NCAR | National Center for Atmospheric Research
A Project of: Climate Analysis Section in Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory
Created by: Climate Data Guide PIs and Staff