Ocean Physics at NASA
NASA's Ocean Physics program directs multiple competitively-selected NASA Science Teams that study the physics of the Ocean.
About Ocean Physics
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 Ocean Physics 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.
Apply to one of the current NASA research opportunities to join us as a NASA scientist.
News
Ghost Forests Creep Into North Carolina
Sea level rise is killing coastal forests, creating ghost forests
NASA Participates in Sea Level Panel at the 79th UN General Assembly
"Addressing the Threats of Sea Level Rise" panel during 79th UN General Assembly
Secretary Blinken Mentions NASA’s new Sea Level and Flood Platform
How Winds and Waves Shape East Coast Sea Level
Different regions on the US East Coast have differing sea levels due to wind and waves.
SWOT measures Death Valley’s temporary lake
Changes in ephemeral lake in Death Valley is measured by SWOT.
How NASA Spotted El Niño Changing the Saltiness of Coastal Waters
New findings have revealed a coastal realm highly sensitive to changes in runoff and rainfall on land.
NASA Analysis Sees Spike in 2023 Global Sea Level Due to El Niño
A long-term sea level dataset shows ocean surface heights continuing to rise at faster and faster rates over decades of observations.
Science and Research
NASA’s Ocean Physics program directs multiple competitively-selected NASA’s Science Teams that study the physics of the oceans. Below are details about each science team.
Missions
The Ocean Physics program currently provides scientific leadership for the following operational missions. Past and future missions (to be) lead by the Ocean Physics program are also highlighted separately.
Operational
Currently taking measurements
Future
Upcoming missions
Non-Operational
Past missions providing data for current research
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
The Ocean Physics program actively engages in the following national and international partnerships that work together to sustain and enhance the Earth observing system.
 NASA-ESA Earth Science Joint Program Planning Group NASA-ESA Satellite and In situ Salinity Working Group |
