UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #839

Overall Research Project Description Climate change is rapidly warming global oceans, disrupting marine ecosystems, and threatening the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. These changes not only endanger countless species but also pose significant risks to human well-being, from intensifying natural disasters to compromising food security. Coastal upwelling is a fascinating ocean phenomenon where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface of the ocean, creating hotspots of marine productivity. Despite covering just 1% of the ocean's surface, these upwelling zones are crucial for global food security, driving over 20% of the world's fish production and supporting millions of livelihoods. The uplifted nutrients fuel the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the marine food pyramid, and also turn the ocean surface into vibrant green patches. Spectroradiometer satellites like MODIS are capable of observing these blooms from space by measuring the concentration of chlorophyll on the ocean surface, allowing scientists to monitor and study these vital ecosystems on a global scale. This UROP project will explore how these chlorophyll concentrations have changed over the last three decades. By uncovering patterns and possible reasons behind these changes, we'll gain insights into the health of our oceans and the impact of climate change on marine life and human food security. The specific goals and methodology may be adjusted based on the student's interest.

Students will receive hands-on training accessing real climate data (with a focus on satellite-based observation) and learn how to analyze it using tools like MATLAB and Python.