The NASA Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study (SPURS) research effort is actively addressing the essential role of the ocean in the global water cycle.

A series of cruises is exploring the salinity extreme regions in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans using a plethora of oceanographic equipment and technology, including salinity-sensing satellites. Researchers are studying salinity changes that span thousands of miles simultaneously with those happening in one centimeter of water. SPURS is also providing much-needed data for computer models to improve our basic understanding of the water cycle over the oceans and its ties to climate.