Materials presented here describe how new data from surveys, satellite imagery, and buoys have led to a revised view of the nature of the coastal upwelling that occurs seasonally off the coast of California. Includes references and links to related sites. Full description.

The map and narrative presented here explain how "low-tech" methods of scientific observation can be used to discern ocean current patterns. 60,000 Nike shoes lost overboard from a storm-tossed cargo ship in the northeastern Pacific in May 1990 began to wash ashore at times and places that coincided with the known surface current in the North Pacific Ocean, which moves in a large slow circle called ... Full description.

From 1984 to 1991, the USGS conducted the first systematic mapping of an Exclusive Economic Zone on the sea floor of the Continental Shelf. Materials presented here detail the history of these activities and describe how evolving technology has allowed faster, more economical, and more efficient seafloor mapping. Topics include mapping history, current activities, and a discussion of high-resolution ... Full description.

Tide tables, commonly seen in newspapers and on television in coastal areas, show that comparable local high and low tides occur almost one hour later from one day to the next. The motion of the Moon as it revolves around the Earth largely accounts for the time lag. Students participating in this activity will investigate this time lag by using the tide time diagram and instructions which are provided. ... Full description.

This illustration of Earth's sea surface temperature was obtained from two weeks of infrared observations by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), an instrument on board NOAA-7, during July 1984. Temperatures are color coded with red being warmest and decreasing through oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. The caption provides a brief description of the features seen in the image. Full description.

Materials presented here are intended to help the learner understand the complex interactions between the oceans and the atmosphere that affect global weather and climate events. Users may learn how data from the TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 satellites provide monitoring of oceanic conditions that may produce El-Nino/La Nina events, and help track the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a long-term oceanic ... Full description.

This site offers links to maps, posters, globes, and CD-ROMS showing seafloor topography, gravity anomalies, and bathymetry. The images were derived from GEOSAT and ERS satellite data and bathymetric surveys performed by the U.S. Navy. Full description.

Users can view a selection of animations of ocean surface temperature and dynamic height derived from data from the TAO/TRITON buoy array moored in the Pacific Ocean. The animations show temperature and surface topography variations consistent with the development of El Nino and La Nina events. Full description.

In this activity, students will learn how radar altimetry is used to measure sea surface height, and determine the direction and speed of ocean surface currents from TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry data. Procedures and materials are provided. Full description.

This is the homepage of the SeaWiFS Project. Users can access remote imagery, datasets, information on the spacecraft and receiving stations, and data processing applications. Educational materials include a tutorial and presentation on ocean color, a teachers' guide with activities, imagery, and a teachers' workshop. Full description.