The sea-surface temperature (SST) images used in this study were from AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) measurements made aboard polar orbiting satellites.  These data were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/NASA Pathfinder Program.  Daily images at 9 km resolution from 1987 to mid 1999  were used in this study.

Weekly sea-surface temperature images were first calculated from a composite average of the daily images (including both ascending and descending satellite passes).  Gradient maps (images showing regions of strong horizontal gradients in SST) were then constructed from the weekly images.  Strong gradients were defined as  >1.35^oC over 45-65 km (depending on the latitude and orientation of the front).  Using a combination of the weekly SST images and the gradient maps, the poleward edge of the polar front was subjectively digitized.   The resulting weekly locations of the Antarctic Polar Front are available from J. Keith Moore on request.  The mean path of the Antarctic Polar Front was then calculated for the periods 1987 to 1993 and 1987 to mid 1999.  These mean path data are available from the data page.  

Further processing details can be found in Moore et al. (1997), Moore et al.  (1999), and Moore (1999). 

Website by Jasmine S. Bartlett, Oregon State University.