Research

The Experimental Oceanography group aims to advance our understanding of ocean dynamics and circulation in a changing climate. We are a seagoing group, specialising in physical oceanographic measurements and using approaches that leverage traditional observations with new platforms and satellite data. Using a range of observational platforms enables us to address problems spanning scales (from micro- to large-scale), and spanning spheres (from the ocean to biogeosphere, cryosphere and atmosphere). We are driven by scientific curiosity, and motivated by problems with the potential to address societal needs.

Ocean Circulation

Active projects at IfM EO

• Explaining and Predicting the Ocean Conveyor (EPOC) - Horizon Europe consortium to understanding the AMOC, its connectivity, past and future
• Denmark Strait Overflow transports - observations of the overflow from Nordic Seas to North Atlantic through Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland)
• Targeted Experiment to Reconcile Increased Freshwater with Increased Convection (TERIFIC) - ERC fellowship with gliders and drifters in the Labrador Sea

Collaborative projects

• Generation of the ocean’s permanent pycnocline in the ice-covered Southern Ocean (PycnoGen) - under-ice moorings and gliders, fieldwork starting 2025/26
• Resolving Biological carbon Export in the Labrador Sea (ReBELS) - biophysical interactions, fieldwork starting summer 2024
• RAPID 26°N array - observing the AMOC at 26°N using moorings

Selected past projects (NOC and Univ. Southampton)

• Mechanisms responsible for Mesoscale Eddy Energy Dissipation (MerMEED) - understanding the local drivers of mesoscale eddy dissipation at the western boundary of the Atlantic.

• Dynamics of the Orkney Passage Outflow (DynOPO) - understanding drivers of outflow from the Weddell Sea to the wider Southern Ocean.

For other past projects by the PI, see EFW’s CV.