Remotely sensed sea surface temperature variations in the southern Red Sea in relation to some meteorological variables

Abstract EN

Remote sensing techniques were used to study the sea surface temperature (SST) patterns in the southern Red Sea for the period of January 1993 to December 2007.

The results indicated that the surface temperature decreases from the Strait of Bab-al-Mandab towards the north.

The temperature is higher on the eastern side of the sea compared to the western side.

The changes of SST are associated with air temperature variations and the horizontal wind component especially in Jeddah and Al-Hodeidah.

The impact of evaporation is dominant in Jazan region.

Multiple regression models for the SST fluctuations were applied to explain the observed SST.

The spectrum of SST showed annual and semi-annual components in all sections.

The most energetic component is the annual cycle.

The semi-annual changes may be due to the effects of surface currents and seasonal changes in wind regime over the Red Sea.