We investigate biogeochemical cycles of trace elements, nutrients and carbon in the open and coastal oceans. We work in ocean systems globally, including tropical and polar waters. Our research activities relate to Global Change and Ecosystem Functioning, and also include impacts of anthropogenic pollution pressures. We approach our research from two directions: field observations and laboratory studies.
The research is interdisciplinary and involves investigations of interactions between chemical, biological and physical processes in the oceans. We study the distributions, behavior and chemical speciation of trace metals, nutrients, carbon and major ions in the water column, and the consequences for ocean productivity. The International GEOTRACES Programme forms a strong focus of our activities, and we conduct large ocean basin GEOTRACES section cruises on a regular basis.
We are interested in the environmental chemistry of contaminants in marine systems, including munition compounds, mercury and microplastics. We investigate how anthropogenic pressures change the chemistry of the ocean and thus impact on biological processes.
The oceans are strongly undersampled, and improved observation tools are required. In collaboration with marine technology companies, we work on the development and deployment of autonomous chemical sensors for nutrient, carbonate chemistry and trace metals.
Anthropogenic CO2 emissions cause climate change including more frequent extreme events and changes to ocean chemistry, biology and physics. We contribute to national and international programmes on Carbon Capture and Storage as a mitigation approach for atmospheric CO2 emissions.
Our research is undertaken in collaboration with national and international partners at Universities, research institutes, and marine technology companies and also explosive ordnance disposal companies.
