Upper-Ocean Processes

We conduct numerical and theoretical studies of oceanic physical and biogeochemical processes in either an idealized setting or a realistic oceanic region. Our research is motivated by the need to better predict the marine environment and climate under a changing climate and human activities. We also collaborate with sea-going oceanographers to synthesize in-situ observations and computer simulations.

Air-Sea Gas Exchange

We study how fast gases go in and out of the ocean. For this purpose, we developed a high-fidelity computer model to simulate processes critical for the process. The product of our research is simplified mathematical formulas for prediction (a toolbox for air-sea gas exchange, including an air-sea gas flux parameterization proposed in Liang et al. [2013], Courtesy of David Nicholson).

Ongoing Project: Air-sea gas transfer at the Labrador Sea (NSF, Lead PI, leading a U.S. team to participate in an international collaboration with colleagues in Germany, Canada, and the U.K.)

Upper Ocean Dynamics

We study the small-scale, chaotic water movements, called turbulence, in the upper ocean. Turbulence is ubiquitous over the ocean, yet it is one of the grand challenges in ocean physics. It sets the physical and chemical environment in the upper ocean, thereby playing an important role in the marine environment, biogeochemical cycling, and air-sea interaction.

Ongoing Project: Studying the turbulence-submesoscale interation in the upper ocean (NSF CAREER, Sole PI)

Improvement of Ocean Models Using Machine Learning

We have been utilizing high-fidelity physics-based computer models to inform the development of innovative machine learning techniques within predictive capability of the ocean. Please visit our GitHub page for our most updated open-source models.

Ongoing Project: Using machine learning to model and understand turbulent mixing (ONR, Lead PI)

Biophysical Interaction in the Gulf of Mexico

We study the environmental issues and climate change over the Gulf of Mexico. Our current focuses include bottom-water hypoxia and phytoplankton dynamics.

Ongoing Project 1: The biological effects of the northern Gulf of Mexico "deadzone" (NOAA, Lead PI)

Ongoing Project 2: Phytoplankton Dynamics (NASA, co-PI, led by Bingqing Liu)

Ongoing Project 3: Deadzone in Louisiana's Estuaries (LA-COE, Lead PI)