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sea surface temperature The temperature of the surface layer of ocean water. The OPC produces maps that show isotherms in the ocean surface. Abbreviated SST. The maps are useful to navigation because isotherms often mark the boundaries of ocean currents. Very warm water is a warning of potentially strong storms. Storm tracks often follow the temperature patterns of the ocean water and other severe weather can be traced to sea temperature, ie hurricanes cannot form in water cooler than 80º F. SST maps are crucial to fishermen. More detailed ones are available from several sources and are usually called just "ocean analysis." Extensive references are available on the internet. See also el Nino, which is an unseasonal temperature pattern in the ocean along with the several consequences of this.

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