A first estimation of SMOS-based ocean surface T-S diagrams

A first estimation of satellite-based ocean surface T-S diagrams is performed by using SMOS Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) and OSTIA Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and comparing them with in situ measurements interpolated fields obtained by the Argo-buoys for the North Atlantic and over the entire year 2011. The key objectives at the base of this study are: (1) To demonstrate the feasibility of generating routinely satellite-derived surface T-S diagrams, obviating the lack of extensive sampling of the surface open ocean, (2) To display the T-S diagrams variability and the distribution/dynamics of SSS, altogether with SST and the relative density with respect to in situ measurements, and (3) To assess the SMOS SSS data added value in detecting geophysical signals not sensed/resolved by the Argo measurements. To perform the latter analysis, the satellite-Argo mismatches have been overlapped with geophysical parameters of precipitation rates, surface heat and freshwater fluxes and wind speed data. Ongoing and future efforts focus on enlarging the study area and the temporal frame of the analysis and aim at developing a method for the systematic identification of surface water masses formation areas by remotely sensed data.