Two very thin skins of fluid cover the surface of our planet: a low density layer consisting mainly of gases (our atmosphere), and a higher density layer consisting mainly of water (our oceans). However the two layers are not completely distinct, and exchanges of water, gases, particulate matter, heat and momentum are continually taking place across the interface between them. These exchanges have a profound effect on the development of our weather systems, and in the longer term, the progress of climate variability and change. Explore the sub-topics to learn more about this fascinating interface. (Meteosat image copyright Eumetsat)
Title
NOAA Thermal Modeling and Analysis Program
( WEBSITE )
Description
The Thermal Modeling and Analysis Project (TMAP) at PMEL carries out many numerical ocean modeling experiments to try to understand how atmospheric forcing causes the ocean to behave during "normal" and "unusual" conditions in the tropical Pacific. Some of the most unusual conditions occurred during 1982 and 1983, the period of the most intense El-Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event in modern times. This period has been the focus of a number of special ocean model studies by TMAP, and the results of these studies have provided the basis for several publications.
Two very thin skins of fluid cover the surface of our planet: a low density layer consisting mainly of gases (our atmosphere), and a higher density layer consisting mainly of water (our oceans). However the two layers are not completely distinct, and exchanges of water, gases, particulate matter, heat and momentum are continually taking place across the interface between them. These exchanges have a profound effect on the development of our weather systems, and in the longer term, the progress of climate variability and change. Explore the sub-topics to learn more about this fascinating interface. (Meteosat image copyright Eumetsat)