Ocean temperature estimates from models and observations with application to OTEC

Abstract

Large-scale estimates of ocean temperature, particularly at depth, are sparse. Accurate estimates of ocean thermal gradients are however important for proper and efficient placement of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants. This study provides estimates from two data sets based on direct observation: the autonomous Argo profiling floats and the World Ocean Database (WOD), as well as from two large-scale, high resolution ocean models. These calculations can be used in geographic information system (GIS) models as a parameter for proper location of OTEC facilities.