BiPhySO: Combatting critical uncertainties in biological vs. physical drivers of future oxygen budgets in the Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean is one of the most biogeochemically-important regions on Earth, representing a critical region for inorganic and organic carbon sinks. However, regional differences and logistical challenges, make general statements about Southern Ocean processes difficult and inaccurate. To get a more accurate understanding of the Southern Ocean and globe, direct comparisons of key processes between regions are needed. Here I will use sensor-based measurements of dissolved oxygen and particulate backscatter to calculate these key biogeochemical rate measurements during the December-January productive season using the novel but already-proven equations. I propose to leverage pre-existing glider and other autonomous asset datasets from three major research programs to the Ross, Amundsen, and Weddell Seas in a novel manner to generate estimates of net community production (NCP) and carbon export that are of higher spatiotemporal resolution and more consistently-produced than ever before. In this two year project, entitled BiPhySO, I will parameterize the key biological and physical processes individually, enabling me to assess their importance in NCP calculations and export through time and in each Antarctic sea, individually. I will apply these findings to earth system models in order to forecast future Southern Ocean production-export dynamics under climate change. BiPhySO will be conducted with Professor Karen Heywood at the University of East Anglia (UEA) with secondments at the Instituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (Italy) with Dr. Gorgio Dall’Olmo and at the National Oceanography Centre (UK) with Professor Stephanie Hension. BiPhySO will expand my current skillset to better include glider and profiling float experience and make my current research more interdisciplinary in nature, combining biogeochemistry and physical oceanography. This will train me to become the tenure-track professor and leader of the field that I hope to be.