Pioneering Salinity Measurements
Aquarius was NASA's first satellite-based instrument to detect sea surface salinity. Operating at the same wavelength, Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) was launched four years later in 2015. They have provided a continuous record of essential information on our ocean, water cycle, and climate. »

Pioneering Salinity Measurements »

Global Data
Aquarius and SMAP have produced a wealth of data products. In addition to salinity, maps of sea surface density, soil moisture, and radio frequency interference (RFI) are available in the Data Gallery. »

Global Data »

Field Campaigns
NASA's salinity program spans from sea to space. For example, field campaigns have provided detailed insights into the processes that alter salinity by moving freshwater into and out of our ocean. »

Field Campaigns »

How is Salinity Measured from Space?
It may be more complicated than you think! Check out this interactive to learn more about how the signal gets from sea to satellite - and everything that has to be taken into account. »

Measuring Salinity »

Salt is essential. Circulating through our bodies and our seas, it impacts the health of people and the planet. Salt dissolved in seawater – measured as salinity – drives currents that distribute heat and carbon around the globe. So, salt not only preserves our food, it helps to preserve our climate by contributing to global ocean circulation.

Earth is an ocean planet. Key water cycle processes – precipitation and evaporation – mostly occur over the ocean. Thus, monitoring sea surface salinity patterns provides important clues about changes in our environment.

NASA observes salinity. Merging data from satellites and other instruments, our mission is to better understand ocean circulation, the water cycle, and climate.