The study of physical oceanography relies on an extensive array of datasets collected through in situ measurements, satellite observations, and numerical models. These datasets provide crucial knowledge into ocean dynamics, variability, and long-term trends.
This section presents a selection of key datasets and repositories, including surface and deep-water velocity observations, satellite-derived ocean parameters, and climatological data products. While this is by no means an exhaustive list—many other sources exist for downloading oceanographic data—these resources offer a representative sample of the vast and diverse data available in the field. They serve as a foundation for research, modeling, and operational applications, helping scientists better understand the ocean’s complex behavior.
If you believe that an essential dataset is missing from this list, please feel free to contact us so we can consider its inclusion.
In situ observations
- Surface velocity
- Deep-water velocity
- Interpolated fields and Argo-based data products
Satellite observations
- Sea surface temperature
- Sea surface salinity
- Sea surface height
- Surface currents
- Wind field
- Eddy tracking systems
Data repositories
- World Ocean Database
- IODE (UNESCO)
- SeaDataNet
- SEANOE
- Pangaea
- Copernicus Marine Service
- NOAA NCEI (National Centers for Environmental Information)