Bleaching SSTs at Maldives/Sri Lanka/Chagos

[astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov]

We are beginning to see exceptionally high temperature surface waters develop 
over the Maldives and Sri Lanka [14 Apr 98] in our satellite data.  An area of 
high SST that has covered much of the tropical Southern Indian Ocean for the 
past few months, is showing signs of progressing northward [with the sun], from 
the Seychelles over Chagos Archipelago into the Maldives.  This northward trend 
is also continuing up the African coastline from Kenya to Somalia.  For more 
information see:
	http://psbsgi1.nesdis.noaa.gov:8080/PSB/EPS/SST/climohot.html
or:	http://manati.wwb.noaa.gov/orad/sub/noaarsrc.html

Confirmations of any bleaching observations are sought.

Cheers,
Al
**** <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< *****
Alan E. Strong
  Phys Scientist/Oceanographer                    Adj Assoc Res Professor
  NOAA/NESDIS/ORA/ORAD -- E/RA3                    US Naval Academy
  NOAA Science Center -- RM 711W                    Oceanography Department
  5200 Auth Road                                        Annapolis, MD 21402
  Camp Springs, MD 20746                              410-293-6550
        Alan.E.Strong at noaa.gov
  301-763-8102 x170    FAX: 301-763-8108
          http://manati.wwb.noaa.gov/orad