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Increasing stratification as observed by satellite sea surface salinity measurements
Estrella Olmedo1, Antonio Turiel2, Verónica González-Gambau2
1Barcelona Expert Center (BEC), Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM) and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain. olmedo@icm.csic.es.
Scientific Reports
|April 16, 2022
Summary
Satellite sea surface salinity data reveal an intensifying water cycle, with fresher waters becoming fresher and saltier waters becoming saltier. This global warming effect is crucial for understanding ocean-atmosphere fluxes.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Climate Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Sea surface salinity (SSS) reflects ocean-atmosphere interactions and water cycle changes.
- In situ salinity measurements are spatially and temporally limited, and taken below the surface.
- Satellite SSS data offer synoptic, repetitive, and surface-specific measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare satellite and in situ SSS trends.
- To investigate the intensification of the water cycle.
- To link observed salinity changes to global warming impacts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of satellite-derived sea surface salinity data.
- Comparison with in situ near-surface salinity measurements.
- Correlation analysis with mixed layer depth, wind speed, and sea surface temperature.
Main Results:
- Satellite SSS data show an intensification of the water cycle, not evident in in situ data.
- Significant differences in salinity trends between surface and near-surface measurements.
- Intensification is linked to decreased mixed layer depth, reduced wind speed, and increased sea surface temperature.
Conclusions:
- Satellite SSS measurements are essential for detecting water cycle intensification.
- Increased ocean stratification due to global warming influences salinity trends.
- These findings underscore the importance of satellite data for monitoring ocean-atmosphere fluxes.
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