The Gulf Stream

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Single Pass Data
This image is from a single NOAA-12 satellite pass early on the evening of May 23, 1996 (6:44 PM EDT). Because this view is from a single pass the thermal features are sharper than in a combined multiple pass image. The largest view of this image shows a wealth of details in the Gulf Stream and suggests a very complex motion. A large warm eddy is seen just north of the stream.
Land and clouds have been added from channel 2, the near IR. The sea surface temperature computation does not extend to the edge of the pass.

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Multiple Pass Data
This image is the result of selecting the warmest pixel from each pass image over three days. This process partially removes cloud obscured areas. Note the sharp north edge of the Gulf Stream and the eddies. The prominent warm eddy is the same as seen in the single pass image.
Several near vertical and near horizontal bands are not real temperature features but artifacts due to partial passes and satellite signal problems.
Land has been synthesized from digital elevation data (where available) and clouded areas over water have been colored white.

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Warm eddy closeup
This image is from a single NOAA-12 satellite pass early on the evening of Jun 15, 1996 (6:42 PM EDT). Again this view is from a single pass so the thermal features are sharp. The large warm eddy is slowing moving westward. Also note the cold upwelling water south of Cape Code. The Gulf Stream is visible at the bottom of the image. The largest view of this image shows much detail.
Land and clouds have been added from channel 2, the near IR.