Physical Oceanography is the study of the physical processes in the ocean and the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere. Physical oceanographers in our department study currents at the surface and in the deep ocean, water mass formation, and the role of the ocean in weather and climate. We also study the heat budget of the ocean including solar heating, evaporation, infrared radiation into and out of the sea, the transport of heat and salt by currents, and the formation of sea ice. The goal of our work is to understand and predict processes such as El Niño, the role of the ocean in climate and the ice ages, currents in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere, and physical processes along continental shelves. In doing our work we construct elaborate numerical models of the circulation, and we analyse data collected from instruments on ships and satellites.

Physical Oceanography Academic Advisor: Dr. Achim Stössel

See also Research Topics