Ocean Physics at NASA

 

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About

The ocean plays a fundamental role in the Earth’s system. It shapes our planet’s climate and weather by absorbing, storing, and transporting large quantities of heat, water, moisture, and carbon dioxide. NASA’s Physical Oceanography (PO) program enables research that advances our understanding of the ocean’s role in climate. Our scientists utilize NASA satellite and sub-orbital data, climate models and data science to study ocean dynamics, sea level rise, hydrological cycle, and ocean interactions within the Earth system. 

To join us and become a NASA scientist, apply to one of current NASA research opportunities

 

Science and Research

NASA’s Physical Oceanography program directs multiple competitively-selected NASA’s Science Teams that study the physics of the oceans. Below are details about each science team.

 

Missions

PO program provides scientific leadership on the following missions:

Operational

Currently taking measurements

Future

Upcoming missions

Non-Operational

Past missions providing data for current research

Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG)
July 2015

QuikSCAT
1999-2018

SPURS 1&2
2012-2013 & 2016-2017

 

 

RapidScat
2014-2016

Aquarius
2011-2015

Jason-1
2001-2012

TOPEX/Poseidon
1992-2005

Seasat
1978

 

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Access the Data

The Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC) preserves NASA's ocean and climate open data and makes these universally accessible and meaningful.

 

Partnerships

PO program actively engages in the following national and international partnerships that work together to sustain and enhance the Earth observing system.

 

Contacts

Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer
Lead, NASA Climate Variability and Change
Physical Oceanography Program Manager
Contact | Bio

Jessica Hausman
Physical Oceanography Support Scientist
Contact | Bio