Time-space structure and variability of surface temperature frontal zones in the ocean (based on AVHRR satellite data) Original Research Article

Satellite monitoring of large-scale ocean fields allows collection and analyse of information on dynamics processes in various areas of the ocean. Investigation of the World Ocean processes involves the determination of space-time changes of sea surface temperature (SST). Water temperature of the ocean is one of major characteristics of surface water masses. Distribution of water temperature depends not only on regional climate peculiarities but also on formation of high gradient temperature zones. These zones emerge due to interaction of different current structure, circulation and eddies. Some more important characteristics of such zones are space dimensions and time of existence (lifetime). Space-time scales of the above structure have not been investigated in detail. The aim of the paper is to study space-time changes of the surface temperature frontal zones and frontal partitions in the ocean by AVHRR satellite information.