This visualization shows the sea surface temperatures for the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season from June 1, 2005 through September 18, 2005. The ocean colors represent the sea surface temperatures. Orange and red depict regions that are 82 degrees F and higher, where the ocean is warm enough for hurricanes to form. Hurricane winds are sustained by the heat energy of the ocean, so the ocean is cooled as the hurricane passes and the energy is extracted to power the winds. The sea surface temperatures were measured by the AMSR-E instrument on the Aqua satellite. Several hurricane color water trails can be seen through this animation - particulary hurricanes Dennis, Emily, and Katrina.
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