Submesoscale Processes in a Changing Environment

I believe a key challenge to reducing the uncertainty of global climate model projections is quantifying the role of submesoscale (0.1-10km, hours-days) ocean processes on the ocean-atmosphere exchange of heat and carbon in the remote Southern Ocean.

In SPICE, I aim to address this knowledge gap using ocean observations from state-of-the-art marine robots and high-resolution numerical models.

Using this novel data I will for the first time 1) quantify the variability of heat and carbon air-sea fluxes in the Southern Ocean, and 2) better understand how upper ocean submesoscale processes modulate this exchange of heat and carbon between the atmosphere and the ocean interior, where it can be stored for millennia.

SPICE will achieve three primary scientific objectives: (1) I will participate in an oceanographic research expedition to the Southern Ocean, to further learn about, and deploy autonomous ocean platforms.

This pioneering science experiment will collect the required air-sea heat and carbon fluxes and oceanographic data in the sea-ice impacted Southern Ocean. (2) Perform scientific data analysis and research with my host, and during two secondments, to gain the longstanding skill and knowledge to quantify the impact of submesoscale processes on the air-sea flux of heat and carbon. (3) Employ a synergetic modelling and observational approach, whereby I will perform ultra-high-resolution simulations of the ocean to upscale the observational findings to address current and future climate challenges.

By achieving these objectives, this Fellowship will provide me with the skills and network that I require to enhance my academic standing and research capability for years to come.

This field of polar science is my passion and my longer-term ambition is to be an excellent and independent Earth System scientist who can build a long-standing career in Europe.