The use of AVHRR data in a pilot study for investigating and modelling regional ocean circulation

Regional oceanographic studies rely on in situ data. However, sampling desi gn strategies for the collection of oceanographic data are not always strai ghtforward, particularly in regions of complex bathymetry. Here we present a pilot study methodology that uses remotely sensed sea surface temperature data to generate coarse resolution surface temperature fields suitable for forcing a regional numerical circulation model. The model is then used to help identify the major surface and interior oceanographic features in the region and hence determine the most suitable locations to deploy instrument ation. Such pilot studies are uncommon in regional oceanographic research a nd here we demonstrate an effective, low-cost pilot study methodology.