How to Read a Sea Surface Temperature Map

This Sea Surface Temperature map is actually a map of anomalies, or temperature changes from the average. If your town has a snowfall in July, that is a BIG anomaly! These anomalies are the differences between the average temperature according to a particular climate and the actual temperature for that particular period. For instance, four-month averages vs. longer-term averages or daily average vs. longer-term averages, etc. are used to compile the maps.

The range of temperatures displayed is -5.0 to +5.0 K. Each color gradation on the colorbar at the bottom of the map is 0.5 K. The K stands for degrees Kelvin, a standard temperature scale for all of science. Note that the satellite-only SST climatology is derived only from nighttime SST observations.

Where on the map do you see the greatest positive anomalies or "hot spots?" Are they located where you would expect? Are they out in the ocean or near land?

Where on the map do you see the greatest negative anomalies or "cold spots?" Are they located where you would expect? Are they out in the ocean or near land?