Sea surface temperature differences between in situ and GHRSST (L4) records in a socio-ecological critical area of the northeastern Pacific Ocean May 2015 to July 2016

Using satellite sensor data for studying sea surface temperature (SST) provides advantages over in situ information, such as obtaining data from large areas and remote access regions in short periods. However, differences between the SST values recorded in situ and those by satellite sensors are due to the intrinsic nature of both methods and meteorological factors. The present study aims to search the difference between SST values from in situ and satellite sensor data of 1×1 km resolution (type L4) from the Group of High-Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST) for an annual cycle in a socio-ecological critical area known as the Gulf of Ulloa (GU). The linear regression, linear spline regression, and logic models showed an overestimated SST by satellites compared to in situ data, particularly at temperatures below 20°C. The overestimation can be attributed to the oceanic-atmospheric variations, which are consequences of upwelling and the time lag between the data record morning by in situ and night by satellite sensors. This finding may be relevant in decision-making for marine resource management and conservation in the GU. The information may help to seek the sustainability of this social-environmental system.