Crossing the Gulf Stream safely and efficiently requires knowing the path of the stream and the location of warm and cold core rings. Currents of up to 5 knots can either aid you or slow you, depending on the course you chart. This course will give you the tools needed to interpret satellite data and computer forecast models to be maximally prepared.

This course is presented in three main sections: the oceanography of the Gulf Stream system, satellite data, and computer prediction models.

By the end, you will be able to compare several different satellite sources against computer forecasts and will understand the pros and cons of each data source. We will use actual live data, and you will leave the course with a short list of links from NOAA and other scientific agencies that you can use in the future.

Topics in this Course

Shareable Certificate

Certificate of Completion

• Earn a Seably certificate of completion
• Download or print out as PDF to share with others
• Share online to demonstrate your new skill

Course Author

Current Lab

Current Lab specializes in numerical physical oceanography. Building the world's most detailed virtual ocean, not all forecasts are created equal. Our top...

View courses • See full profile