Our Work

Earth and Space Research (ESR) is a Seattle-based, nonprofit institute specializing in oceanographic research. Our research at ESR covers a wide range of topics from polar oceanography to equatorial studies. We also conduct frequent K-12 outreach activities, introducing kids to basics of oceanography and climate through hands-on learning.

Research

ESR explores the cryosphere, oceans, and atmosphere through satellite data, advanced models, and field research. Discover our cutting-edge work!
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Science in Action

ESR partners with industry leaders and educational institutions to develop solutions for the myriad issues facing our planet.
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Education

ESR provides hands-on programs in oceanography, climate science, and glaciology, empowering students to work with leading researchers and gain scientific skills.
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Data Products

ESR Data Product

Antarctic Tide Gauge Database

Ocean tide height harmonic coefficients at locations around Antarctica

The Antarctic Tide Gauge (AntTG) database provides ocean tide surface height harmonic coefficients (amplitude and phase) from a variety of measurement systems. These coefficients are primarily intended for users interested in validation of tide models for the Antarctic seas including the areas covered by the large floating ice shelves.
Laurie Padman, ESR · Susan Howard, ESR · Matt King, University of Tasmania
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ESR Data Product

Global Ocean Surface Currents

Ocean Surface Current Analyses (OSCAR) derived from satellite data

Ocean Surface Current Analyses Real-time (OSCAR) is a NASA funded research project and global surface current database. OSCAR surface currents are calculated from satellite datasets and provided as daily files in NetCDF format that contain the zonal and meridional components of total, geostrophic, and wind-driven upper ocean velocities.
Kathleen Dohan, ESR · Gary Lagerloef, ESR
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ESR Data Product

ESR ENSO Index

ESR's El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index from near real-time surface currents

ESR produces a surface current based ENSO index using the surface current anomalies from the OSCAR project to monitor the evolution of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal in the tropical Pacific Ocean, as an alternative to the standard ENSO index.
Kathleen Dohan, ESR
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ESR Data Product

ESR PDO Index

ESR's Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index from altimeter SSH anomaly

The first empirical orthogonal function mode (EOF1) mode of altimeter data has been shown to be a useful indicator of decadal variability in the northeast Pacific Ocean. ESR regularly produces a PDO index using the EOF1 of the sea surface height anomaly in this region.
Kathleen Dohan, ESR
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ESR Data Product

OISSS

Multi-mission Optimally Interpolated Sea Surface Salinity (OISSS)

Sea Surface Salinity Optimum Interpolation analysis (OISSS), a NASA funded research project, is a global SSS dataset derived from multi-mission satellite L-band radiometer measurements. The OISSS dataset is available to download as a global 7-day or monthly mean time series.
Oleg Melnichenko, ESR · Peter Hacker, IPRC · James Potemra, IPRC · Thomas Meissner, RSS · Frank Wentz, RSS
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ESR Data Product

Polar Tide Models

Arctic, Antarctic, and global barotropic tide models and "TMD" toolboxes

ESR and Oregon State University create and serve barotropic tide models for the Arctic Ocean and the seas surrounding Antarctica. The model grid files are formatted in both the Oregon State Tidal Inversion Software (OTIS) format and NetCDF format, and can be accessed using the Matlab “Tide Model Driver” (TMD) package, pyTMD, and the FORTRAN OSU Tidal Prediction Software code.
Laurie Padman, ESR · Susan Howard, ESR
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ESR Data Product

Salinity Validation Data System

Validation of satellite derived ocean surface salinity

As a member of the NASA Ocean Salinity Science Team (OSST), ESR provides validation of satellite derived ocean surface salinity using Argo and other in situ data. Our goal is to provide a systematic estimation and assessment of satellite sea surface salinity over the global ocean, including but not limited to match-up with in situ data and triple point collocation analysis.
Jesse Anderson, ESR · Hsun-Ying Kao, ESR · Gary Lagerloef, ESR · Julian Schanze, ESR
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ESR Data Product

Sea Surface Salinity Gradients

Ocean surface salinity horizontal gradients derived from satellite and in situ data

As a member of the salinity gradient assessment working group, ESR provides ocean surface salinity gradient calculations derived from satellite and Argo data. Both gradients and results from salinity gradient validation are available to view and download.
Hsun-Ying Kao, ESR · Julian Schanze, ESR · Oleg Melnichenko, ESR · Maria Jacob, UCF · Wenqing Tang, JPL · Jorge Vazquez JPL/Caltech)
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ESR Data Product

Mt. Baker Climate Laboratory

High-resolution snowpack, weather, and radiation measurements from Mount Baker, Washington

The Mount Baker Climate Laboratory (MBCL) provides continuous in situ observations of snowpack, surface meteorology, and radiation in the North Cascades. These open data support studies of snow physics, hydrology, and climate variability. MBCL is a Citizen Science effort, co-created by professional and community scientists to advance regional climate understanding.
Michael Town, ESR · many professional and citizen scientists have contributed to this project.
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ESR Data Product

Water Isotopes in Near-Surface Snow

High-resolution profiles of stable water isotope ratios in near-surface snow from EastGRIP, Greenland

The SNOWISO initiative provides high-resolution depth- and time-indexed measurements of water isotopologues from 1-m snow cores at EastGRIP (2017–2019), with applied age-depth models. These data enable studies of post-depositional processes, snowpack stratigraphy, and climate interpretation. All datasets are openly available for research and education.
Michael Town, ESR · Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, GFI · Sonja Wahl, UiB · Anne-Katrine Faber, StormGeo
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ESR Data Product

TONe-ICO

Troll Observing Network - Integrated Cloud Observatory (TONe-ICO)

The Integrated Cloud Observatory (ICO) at Troll Station, part of the Troll Observing Network (TONe), provides near–real-time observations of clouds, radiation, and atmospheric profiles using advanced remote-sensing instruments and radiosondes. These data reveal how Antarctic clouds shape regional and global climate and are openly available to researchers.
Stephen Hudson, NPI · Ryan R. Neely III, U. Leeds · Michael Town, ESR · Von P. Walden, WSU
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Spotlight

ESR: Where Have We Been and Where are We Going

Earth and Space Research (ESR) was begun thirty years ago, in 1995, as a small, independent team of scientists who believed there was a better way to do science. Founders Gary Lagerloef and Robin Muench envisioned a space that was collaborative, nimble, and deeply focused on discovery…

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Our Scientists

Jesse Anderson

Corporate Secretary

Research Scientist

Kathleen Dohan

Senior Scientist

Susan L. Howard

Staff Scientist

Gary Lagerloef

ESR Co-Founder

Scientist Emeritus

Oleg Melnichenko

Senior Scientist

Laurie Padman

Senior Scientist

Julian J. Schanze

President

Senior Scientist

Michael S. Town

Vice-President

Research Scientist

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ESR emphasizes the individual while providing a unified management and support structure.

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Join our team as an intern or researcher to actively contribute to cutting-edge discoveries and advance Earth sciences.