UROP Project

Ocean, Oceanography, Ocean physics, Wind, Waves, Modelling

Research Mentor: Dr. Keshav J Raja, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS), Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: kraja@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors (see the 'skills that may be needed' below).
Project Location: Research Foundation Building A (Innovation park), 2000 Levy Ave #292, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Innovation buses
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)
Wednesday, September 4, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)
Wednesday, September 5, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9206782375)

Those who missed the roundtables, check out the project presentation slides here:
https://fsu-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/kjr22c_fsu_edu/EciPk3IiH_9JuD9QxINa2jkBeS1vu6fl2-ZrV2FZURxdFQ?e=PhPShw

Project Description

Mixing in the ocean's interior plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by distributing heat from the surface to deeper layers, thereby influencing surface temperatures and large-scale circulations. This process also brings deep-sea nutrients to the surface, fueling the growth of phytoplankton, which form the foundation of marine ecosystems and fisheries.

A key driver of ocean mixing is the energy from winds blowing over the ocean surface. But how does this wind energy reach the deep ocean? In this project, we will explore the intriguing phenomenon of wind-generated underwater wave motions, known as “internal waves,” that act as channels for transferring energy from the ocean’s surface to its depths, where it drives essential mixing processes.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art, high-resolution global ocean model (developed and used by the US Navy), we will track the injection of wind energy at the ocean surface, follow its path through the water column, and quantify how much of it contributes to deep ocean mixing. Our research will map the global distribution of wind energy input into internal waves and investigate the factors that influence its vertical transmission. By identifying where this energy dissipates and induces mixing, we aim to uncover the hidden dynamics that shape our planet’s oceans.

Research Tasks: In this project, the research student will gain foundational knowledge in physical oceanography, including introduction to different scales of oceanic motion, energy pathways in the ocean, and their contributions to global climate. The student will analyze data from existing global ocean model simulations and create global maps of key physical quantities, such as wind power, internal wave energy, and fluxes. Data analysis and visualization will be conducted using MATLAB, which has a gentle learning curve for first-time users. Throughout the project, the student will also have the opportunity to interact with other researchers at the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) and present their findings.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: If you are genuinely interested in the topic, the project can be tailored to fit your skills and aspirations.
Preferred skills:
- Basic Math Skills (familiarity with vectors and basic calculus).
- Basic Computer Skills (comfortable working with a PC/Mac and using Microsoft Office or Google Suite).
- An eagerness to learn new concepts, a willingness to acquire new skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desired skills:
- Introductory knowledge of differential equations
- Basic knowledge of computer programming