Terra/Aqua MODIS: Global Sea Surface Temperature

NASA's Terra MODIS Level-3 Global Mapped Sea Surface Temperature (SST) dataset provides near real-time, daytime thermal infrared observations of global ocean surface temperature. The data is acquired every 1 to 2 days across 36 spectral bands by the MODIS instruments aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. It supports the detection of oceanic fronts and marine heatwaves, and serves as a boundary condition for climate and ecosystem models.

Use Cases

• Detecting oceanic fronts and eddies based on spatial temperature gradients.
• Monitoring marine heatwaves using time-series temperature anomalies.
• Providing boundary conditions for biogeochemical and climate model analyses.
• Driving habitat and ecosystem models when paired with chlorophyll-a and light attenuation data.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage with observations every 1 to 2 days.
• Derived from the MODIS instrument, which captures data in 36 spectral bands.
• Available in a near real-time (quicklook) product for timely analysis.

Limitations

• Input metadata is incomplete; specific row counts, file sizes, and detailed column definitions are unavailable.
• The near real-time 'quicklook' product uses less-than-optimal ancillary data and calibration.
• Infrared-based SST is sensitive to cloud cover, aerosols, and diurnal warming effects.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Ocean Biology DAAC.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via the MODIS instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua platforms.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-04-09 according to datagov metadata.

Geography

Global.