Ocean Dynamics & Modeling

The oceans are a place of constant motion, andÌý water movement is the basis of the functioning and health of marine ecosystems. In addition to transporting plankton, larvae, sediments, nutrients and pollutants, ocean circulation helps determine global climate through storage and transfer of energy and greenhouse gases. The ability to observe and model these processes enables a broad range of descriptive and predictive capabilities.

Ocean dynamics and modeling research at Harbor BranchÌý emphasizes numerical modeling of the key coupled physical, chemical and biological processes and their impacts on marine ecosystem functions and coastal environments. The research topics include zooplankton and larvae transport and ecosystem connectivity, resilience and sustainability of fish habitats, water quality, nutrient and carbon cycles, harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification.

Ocean modeling also relies on extensive observations: In collaboration with other groups, our research uses cutting-edge technology to efficiently collect high-resolution data for the study of oceanic processes and for the evaluation of related numerical models.

Research Areas

Ocean Modeling & Biophysical Processes

Physical-Biogeochemical Ocean Observation & Modeling

PROJECTS

Ventilation rates of Indian River Lagoon through its inlets

Detection & characterization of fish spawning aggregations using a novel, persistent presence robotic approach

Integrated models for evaluating climate change, population growth, & water management effects on south Florida coastal marine & estuarine ecosystems

Exploring novel AUV/ROV technology to characterize deep coral habitat

Water quality impacts of St. Lucie river plume on the northern end of the Florida Reef Tract