OceanFuse - Fusion of Physics, Biology, and Computing
Doctoral Researcher:
Federico Scarscelli, GEOMAR and Kiel University, fscarscelli@geomar.de
Supervisors:
- Prof. Florian Schütte, GEOMAR
- Prof. Peer Kröger, Kiel University
Location: Kiel
Disciplines:
Keywords: Ocean Biodiversity, Small-scale Ocean Processes, Data Fusion
Motivation:
Ocean biodiversity is increasingly threatened, creating an urgent need to understand how physical processes shape marine ecosystems to support sustainable management. Because ocean ecosystems are governed by tightly coupled interactions between physics, biogeochemistry, and biology across multiple scales, an integrated approach is essential. This project focuses on linking small-scale turbulent physical motions with plankton dynamics using modern data science methods.
Small-scale physical processes, such as fronts and eddies, play a crucial role in ocean dynamics but are difficult to model and observe, especially regarding their biological impacts. New high-resolution satellite data from the SWOT mission, combined with temperature and chlorophyll observations, now make it possible to capture these processes at unprecedented detail and to guide targeted observations using ships or autonomous platforms.
Given the complexity and fine scales involved, advanced data science techniques will be used to identify and statistically analyze relevant structures in satellite data. By integrating satellite observations with in situ physical and biological measurements, the project aims to gain new insights into small-scale ocean processes and their interdisciplinary interactions. This work will support future large-scale projects and contribute to improved real-time monitoring, prediction, and sustainable use of ocean ecosystems through close collaboration between physics, biology, and computer science.
