Figure GT.18

Zones of latitude. This world map shows satellite measurements of the ocean surface temperature for July 2, 2013. Surface ocean temperature roughly corresponds with the major zones of latitude. Orange shows areas with surface water temperatures up to 32°C (90°F). Violet indicates surface water near freezing (0°C or 32°F). Surface seawater temperature is high in the tropics. Around the 55th parallel, at the boundary of the midlatitudes and high latitudes, the water quickly transitions to near-freezing temperatures. At high latitudes, seawater is always at temperatures near freezing.