Faculty & Research Index

Collaborative Research

Cluster Groups

Oceanography & Ocean Processes

Scientists studying ocean science in this cluster group explore the oceans to gain deeper understandings of their chemical, physical, and biological components. From Antarctica to Monterey Bay, they travel on ships that traverse the ocean surface and probe the midwater and deep sea. Their research has enabled scientists to view the processes that affect productivity in the oceans with a new perspective.

From a human perspective, the coastal seas are among the most important and vulnerable areas of the world's oceans. We use these areas for food supplies, as much of the world's fish catch is taken from coastal waters and adjacent upwelling regions.

Phytoplankton are the first link in the ocean food chain that sustains marine fish, mammals, birds, and humans. As a result, phytoplankton blooms control biological variability in coastal ecosystems and especially in Monterey Bay.

Mounting evidence suggests that the natural cycles of bloom variability and species composition are being altered on a global scale by human activities, including input of essential nutrients and toxic contaminants, manipulation of river flows, and species translocation. The first step to protection of the ocean is to gain knowledge of how ocean systems work.