Projects/products focused on disseminating the early and exciting satellite images of the oceans. New views of ocean temperature, wind, sea ice, and ocean color (reflecting marine plant life) were transforming the study of oceanography. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual imagery allowed deeper understanding of oceanic patterns and forces using powerful new computer tools, algorithms and graphic visualizations. A revolution in the earth sciences had begun.
After the success of the OFS Posters, Stan Wilson requested developing OFS folders with multiple, individual inserts showing ocean satellite imagery. On the reverse side, captions provided detailed descriptions of the specific images. OFS Folder 1 (1984) and OFS Folder 2 (1986) were distributed as part of an extensive effort to educate the general public, universities, and policy makers aware of this exciting new field.
Topex/Poseidon was a joint satellite mission between NASA, the U.S. space agency; and CNES, the French space agency, to map ocean surface topography. Launched in 1992, it was the first major oceanographic research satellite and allowed improved understanding of ocean circulation and its effect on global climate.
