The latest sea-surface height measurements reveal unusually cool water (shown as blue and purple) and sea levels that are two to seven inches below normal, extending from the Gulf of Alaska along the coast of North America.

CNN: satellite image

Mean sea level: average height of the sea surface over a 19-year period.

UNESCO: L O S S A R Y

This Ocean forecasting system could generate crucial forecast information, such as ocean circulation, sea surface temperature, wave height, to serve the needs of a variety of human activities related to marine hazards mitigation, oil and gas exploration, fisheries, navigation, marine parks management and coastal recreational activities.

UNESCO: All Events | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization