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Ocean Circulation and Processes
Ocean physics and circulation in connection with the atmosphere, ice-covered regions and the marine biogeochemical system have a strong influence on our climate. Working over a huge range of spatial scales, from turbulence to basin-wide circulation and fluxes, and on time scales from hourly to multi-decadal, the NOC makes measurements from ships, autonomous vehicles (floats and gliders), deep ocean moorings, ice-tethered platforms and satellites.
Much of the research is conducted with international partners in all corners of the world’s oceans, but with a particular focus on the Atlantic and Southern Ocean and the Arctic.
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Satellite Oceanography
With their near-global coverage, satellites provide a unique view of the surface properties of the ocean. Satellite Oceanography research at the NOC is concerned with measuring exchanges between the atmosphere, ocean, the marine biosphere and coastal zones, helping to improve predictions of marine systems to climate change. To support state-of-the-art operational oceanography and environmental monitoring, we collaborate widely with space agencies and the space sector internationally, and our activities help to pioneer the development of new satellite mission and new applications of satellite data, which deliver reliable and cost-effective observations of the global and coastal oceans. With colleagues in the UK and around the world, we work to promote the use of satellite data in environmental monitoring, management and research, thus increasing the capacity of marine science to provide information in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Surface Processes
Key to understanding the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere is the study of those processes driving air-sea exchange of heat, salt, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Surface Processes research involves the measurement and analysis of turbulence in the atmospheric and oceanic boundary layers in order to provide accurate parameterisations of air-sea exchange of momentum, heat, freshwater, CO2 and other climatically-active gases.
The NOC is developing long-term global datasets of ocean near-surface parameters and exchanges (turbulent and radiative) based on observations from platforms, ships and satellites. These datasets are used by other international researchers to understand the long-term variability of surface fluxes and they provide an important forcing term for global climate models. Concerned with time and space scales from micro-meteorological to global climate, we aim to design and improve global observational systems and monitoring programmes.
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Coastal Ocean Processes
Shelf seas – the shallow seas closest to our continents – account for over 80% of fisheries productivity and are relied upon by society for transport, energy and leisure. Half of the world’s population lives within 60 km of the coast, which is at an ever increased risk of erosion due to climate change.
The NOC studies the processes and fundamental interactions operating on the continental shelf, from the coast up to and including the shelf break. Our work is the foundation for comprehensive models of the physics, chemistry and biology of shelf seas, which are used to predict the impacts of climate change and to help policy-makers meet directives on good environmental status. We combine observations and numerical models to improve our knowledge of sediment transport processes so that we can better predict estuarine ecosystems and the morphology of coastal zones over several decades. We also study the exchange of nutrients and carbon at the shelf break, and the potential impacts of marine renewable energy installations.
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Sea Level and Ocean Climate
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that between 1901 and 2010, global-average sea-level increased by 19 cm. By the year 2100 it is likely that global-average sea-level will rise by a further 20 to 80 cm, and possibly more, if there is further collapse of certain parts of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. This means that there is generally a greater risk of coastal flooding and a greater need to assess flood defences. The NOC develops computer models of tides and storm surges to deliver improved forecasting systems for coastal flooding and sea-level extreme events. Our science and scientists directly contribute to assessments such as that of the IPCC. We combine geodetic observations of sea-level (using tide gauges and satellite altimetry), ocean mass changes and vertical land movement, with theoretical and modelling expertise of solid Earth, ocean and climate dynamics. The Sea Level and Ocean Climate subgroup works closely with the National Tidal and Sea Level Facility and the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level.
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The National Tidal and Sea Level Facility (NTSLF) is the UK centre of excellence for sea level monitoring, coastal flood forecasting and the analysis of sea level extremes. It is the focus for sea level research in the UK and for its interpretation into advice for policy makers, planners and coastal engineers.
Established in 1933, the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level (PSMSL) has been responsible for the collection, publication, analysis and interpretation of sea level data from the global network of tide gauges. It is based at NOC Liverpool.
PSMSL is closely linked to the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS), an international programme conducted under the auspices of the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
