Annual Report 2024

2024 marked the 25th anniversary of the Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST). Originally established as part of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE), GHRSST has evolved into an open international science community dedicated to meeting the needs of operational weather forecasting, oceanography, and climate science. Its mission remains focused on delivering high-quality, satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) data, defining best practices for data processing, and fostering collaboration across the international SST community.
This annual report for 2024 provides a review of the year’s key activities and outcomes, highlighting the efforts of the GHRSST international science team and the broader SST user community.
A major milestone for this year was the celebration of GHRSST's 25 years of collaboration and achievement. As part of these celebrations, the GHRSST community published a comprehensive timeline titled “GHRSST Throughout the Years”. This resource, available on the GHRSST website, consolidates the group's history, milestones, and contributions to SST data and services. The timeline provides valuable insights into GHRSST’s evolution, documenting the span of GHRSST Science Team Meetings across the globe and highlighting the collaborative efforts that have shaped its success. Prior to this timeline, no consolidated record of GHRSST's achievements existed, making this an essential resource for the community and a foundation for future development.
In June 2024, the GHRSST community convened for the 25th International Science Team Meeting (GHRSST25), held both in-person and online in Montreal, Canada. Co-hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the University of Quebec Montreal, this meeting provided a platform for over 150 participants to engage in six science sessions, two workshops, and more than 86 presentations and posters. Discussions covered best practices for satellite-derived SST data production and addressed the challenges ahead, particularly in light of the evolving demands for SST data in operational and research contexts.
As the year concluded, the GHRSST Science Team took the opportunity to reflect on its accomplishments in 2024 and to set its sights on 2025.
The GHRSST Project Office