One Tree Island, Great Barrier Reef
Dr Kay Davis
Chemical Ecology & Oceanography
About Me
I'm a marine biogeochemist focusing on the interactions between water chemistry and biology to determine ecosystem-scale health. One of my main interests lies in climate-driven influences on coral reef ecosystem metabolism. These types of studies can provide information about how reefs are affected by environmental disturbances and, therefore, how we can protect them. I also investigate how groundwater drives surface water processes and impacts coastal ecosystems.
I obtained my PhD at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Australia in Chemical Oceanography & Ecology. I undertook a Post -Doctoral Research position at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen, Germany investigating the influences of coastal groundwater on coral reef biogeochemistry and ecology. Currently, I am working as a Marine Biogeochemist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science on the University of Western Australia campus in Perth.
As a Minnesota, USA native, I enjoy spending my free time hiking, traveling, or in the ocean diving or surfing with friends.
Research
Coral reef ecosystem metabolism
Interactions between biology, hydrology, and chemistry can help us understand how quickly coral and algae are growing. Coral calcification and dissolution, and organic photosynthesis and respiration can be measured by looking at the water chemistry in an ecosystem - termed "ecosystem metabolism". I analyse water samples collected in-situ in the laboratory for total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon. Rates of ecosystem metabolism can be compared over time and space to investigate differences in reefs due to natural variability or as a result of disturbance, such as coral bleaching events.
Groundwater and coastal ecosystems
Groundwater is rich in dissolved materials including carbon dioxide and nutrients. Quantifying groundwater composition and flow provides information about local influences on surface water dynamics and ecological communities.
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Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Lizard Island, GBR
Lord Howe Island, Australia
UIC Coulometer
Splendour in the Grass Music Festival
Lord Howe Island, Australiawith Ashly McMahon
water chemistry measurements.
Sylt Island, North Sea, Germany
and fluxes to the nearby coral reef.Mombasa Marine Park, Kenya
