title: Satellite observations of the Agulhas Current system.
abstract: The Agulhas Current system is a complex interplay of currents and eddies with the bathymetry. Components such as the East Madagascar Retroflection and the Agulhas Return Current evolve significantly over a month, and they are thus not adequately resolved by infrequent research-ship cruises. This paper contrasts the abilities of three different spaceborne sensors for monitoring these complex regimes. A key parameter is sea-surface temperature, measured by both infrared and microwave radiometers. Ocean colour observations of chlorophyll can also be used to distinguish between water masses.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Satellite Oceanography, Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
authors.forename: Graham D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Quartly
authors.forename: Meric A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Srokosz
mesh_terms: D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism*; D008872:Microwaves; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D012621:Seasons; D018531:Spacecraft; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D002734:Chlorophyll