Our focus in physical oceanography is on the analysis and interpretation of satellite and in situ datasets and the use of models and data assimilation methods to study the oceans. The combined interests of our staff span a variety of research areas, from the low frequency variability of the large-scale circulation and sea level, to high frequency atmospherically-forced dynamics, to frontal instabilities and mesoscale modeling. We also cherish an integrated view of the planet with the ocean as a key player. Some of our research topics with broader geophysical interest include the role of the oceans in inducing changes in the Earth's rotation, gravity field, and climate.
We have worked extensively on modeling and interpreting sea-level and ocean bottom pressure variability at periods from days to decades as determined by satellite altimetry and gravity missions and by in situ measurements. These efforts have involved active participation on NASA/CNES altimeter teams for many years and more recently on the GRACE Science Team. We have considerable expertise in other important ocean datasets, including atmospheric forcing fields such as wind stress and pressure and other remotely-sensed surface oceanic variables. Our modeling capabilities include the use of state-of-the-art as well as simpler (single layer) general circulation models in global or regional configurations. We are currently partnering with MIT, GFDL, and JPL on efforts to implement quasi-operational, ocean state estimation systems as part of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE).
More about Atmospheric Diagnostics & Oceanography activities
To learn more about this and AER...