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Ocean and earth science

A collection of corals from a deep reef in the Red Sea, shining in a rainbow of colours.

We’re a major European centre for oceanography and marine geoscience. We address key scientific questions to influence policy and practice whether we’re working at the summit of volcanoes or the depths of the ocean. Our interdisciplinary research environment offers excellent centres, groups and facilities.

Research highlights

A view of Earth from orbit, centred on the European continent.

Life's survival depended on luck

Space
A recent study gives a new perspective on why our planet has managed to stay habitable for billions of years – concluding it is almost certainly due, at least in part, to luck.

Protecting against rising sea levels

Engineering
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Marine and maritime
Research led by Professor Ivan Haigh on storm surges, sea level rise and climate change is ensuring flood barriers are maintained and future-proofed to protect 30 million people.
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Making offshore carbon storage safe

Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Marine and maritime
Future societies and communities
A team of researchers in Southampton played a key role in a European project to determine the viability of safely and securely storing carbon offshore.
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Research institutes, centres and groups

Geochemistry

We use advanced facilities to perform the precise and accurate analysis of the chemical and isotopic composition of Earth materials.

Geology and Geophysics

We research a wide range of societally impactful areas of geology and geophysics for a sustainable future. The latest facilities and technology development support our activities.

Marine Biogeochemistry

We research the biogeochemistry of marine systems, both in the open ocean and in shelf seas. We take on societal and global environmental issues.

Marine Biology and Ecology

We focus on understanding the effects of environmental change and human activities on marine ecosystems and biodiversity from the coast to the deep-sea.

Palaeoceanography and Palaeoclimate

We work all around the world to understand how Earth's climate system works naturally. We use this to predict the ways in which it will respond to human-driven change in the future.

Physical Oceanography

The research group explores patterns of change and variability in satellite and in-situ measurements of surface temperature, sea level and productivity.

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