Fig. 7

Expected uncertainty of latitudinal estimates (root-mean-square) at 65°W on June 15, 2013. The geomagnetic field-based estimates are indicated by clear circles, irradiance-based determinations by clear diamonds, and surface temperature-based estimates as clear squares. A relatively steep gradient in magnetic field intensity with only minimal disturbances provides an estimated north–south accuracy of 0.5°–0.7° throughout the region. Irradiance measurements are generally a less accurate predictor of latitude in this case, but are useful to constrain the search area in the case of an uneven SST field or strong, local magnetic anomalies not captured by available models. The north–south accuracy available through SST measurements fluctuates, inversely proportional to the fluctuating SST gradient. Southern and northern regions show similar SST and magnetic performance, while in the center region, magnetic measurements can be expected to yield substantially better accuracy