Professor Robert Marsh BSc, MSc, PhD
Professor in Oceanography and Climate, Head of Physical Oceanography Research Group
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As a physical oceanographer, my research reveals how our restless oceans shape the world around us. Interdisciplinary studies concern the drift of objects as diverse as sea turtle hatchlings, volcanic pumice and icebergs. In some places, objects move swiftly with ocean currents that are quite steady and predictable. Elsewhere, they encounter the chaos of swirling “eddies”. To fully understand and predict the resulting patterns of ocean drift, our challenge is to carefully account for both currents and eddies at global scale.
The same currents that carry floating objects play a grander role in conveying vast quantities of heat over great distances and depths, moderating our climate here in the UK and pacing the current rate of global warming. The oceans also play a pivotal role in the hydrological cycle, which appears to be intensifying with climate change. As a climate scientist, I use a rich variety of data and advanced computer models to explore such ways that the oceans are changing our world.
BSc Physics & Meteorology, University of Reading (1986)
MSc Physical Oceanography, University of Wales (1988)
PhD Physical Oceanography, University of Southampton (2000)
Research Assistant, Oregon State University (1987-88)
Research Associate, University of East Anglia (1989-90)
NERC Research Scientist (Higher Scientific Officer, Band 5 and Band 4), James Rennell Centre for Ocean Circulation and Climate (1991-95), Southampton Oceanography Centre (1995-2005), National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (2005-07)
Appointed Reader at Southampton (2007)