Physical oceanography
Physical oceanography
This research line is dedicated to the study and understanding of the ocean as the fundamental environment where all phenomena within Marine Sciences, in their broadest sense, occur. A significant part of our research, due to its geographic and social relevance for Andalusia, focuses on the Alboran Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Gulf of Cadiz. Among other aspects, this line addresses:
- Ocean mixing processes, turbulence, and substance dispersion.
- Atmosphere-ocean interaction.
- Vertical ocean structure and internal waves.
- Currents and water mass circulation.
- Ocean waves.
- Long waves (tides, tsunamis, storm surges).
- Interaction of ocean physical processes with biology, morphodynamics, and chemistry.
- Interaction of ocean physical processes with submerged and floating objects and structures.
- Ocean boundary layers.
- Ocean climate.
- Marine forecasts: supporting navigation and determining optimal routes.
- Hydraulics.
It’s crucial to note that this research line involves the development and/or application of complex numerical models of the atmosphere and ocean to study oceanic and atmospheric physics and dynamics. The results from these modeling activities have led to a deeper understanding of various aspects of oceanographic and atmospheric processes across different spatiotemporal scales.
The findings have been applied in a variety of fields, including, at a local scale: marine population dynamics, sediment transport, water quality, marine pollution, navigation, conservation of underwater archaeological heritage, fisheries, offshore aquaculture, and navigation. On a large scale, they contribute to the study of the climate and interannual variability of the Atlantic Ocean.
The work relies on the use of efficient and validated models for atmospheric and oceanic circulation, wave generation and propagation, and sediment and contaminant transport. Furthermore, in-situ or remote ocean-meteorological data are used to continuously calibrate, validate, and improve the accuracy of the numerical models employed.