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Norway 1
Norway 2| Date | Hour | Latitude | Longitude |
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All data are supplied by ARGONAUTICA.
Compare the tracks each week in relation to their environmental conditions (currents, winds, temperatures).
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Bathymetry
This map shows the water depth (a negative relief of the sea floor). It is measured by oceanographic research vessels or calculated from satellite data 'altimetry'.
Surface temperature
Seawater surface temperatures are either measured by buoys, satellites or calculated from ocean forecast models like Mercator.
Water colour
The phytoplankton is the 'plant part' of the plankton (microscopic cells living and drifting in the water column), which constitutes the first member of the food chain. The presence of this phytoplankton changes the colour of the seawater, because it contains chlorophyll. This is the pigment responsible for the green colour of all plants on earth. Measuring the quantity of the phytoplankton is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems. The instruments carried by satellites, which measure the ocean colour, depend on the actual weather: When the sky is covered by clouds the maps show white zones here and there, where the measurements were blocked.
Surface winds
Wind is one of the elements that directly moves the buoys, but also drives the surface currents. They can be measured by especial instruments or calculated from the meteorological forecast models like the one from 'Météo-France'.
Salinity
The quantity of salt present in seawater represents an important information: The saltier the water, the higher the density; and this plays a role in oceanic water circulation. Salinity can be measured by the buoys, inferred from other measurements or even be calculated from ocean forecast models like Mercator. It is given in 'psu' (practical salinity unit), i.e. the salt in grams per 1000 grams (1kg) seawater.
Geotrophic currents
The geotrophic currents are the ones calculated from the topography of the ocean (hence altimetry measurements): The steeper the decline, the stronger the perpendicular currents along the decline.
Surface currents
The surface currents are calculated from the geotrophic currents and from the winds on the ocean’s surface as well as derived from ocean forecast models like Mercator.
Mean ocean topography
The 'permanent relief' of the ocean's surface results from the major currents. This 'mean ocean topography' is calculated from measures taken by satellites equipped with 'altimeters', by satellites measuring the gravity and measurements directly taken in the sea (called 'in situ' measurements).
Ocean topography
The relief of the ocean's surface comes from the currents and their variations. For example, ocean eddies forming either the 'dells' (cold water eddies) or the 'humps' (warm water eddies) of this relief, can be observed.