Degree seeking: Ph.D., Physical Oceanography, Fairbanks

Major professor: Dr. Thomas Weingartner

Previous university: Reed College

Previous major: Physics
 

Briefly describe your graduate project: The purpose of my project is to examine the dynamics of wind- and buoyancy-forced coastal currents on Arctic Ocean shelves (GC/03-02). These forces, along with a seasonally changing distribution of sea ice, profoundly influence the circulation and vertical and horizontal density structure of arctic shelves. Consequently they play an important role in the dispersal of contaminants. Arctic coastal currents differ considerably from their mid-latitude counterparts, because of the unique characteristics of arctic river discharge and environment of the receiving shelf. These features include the large but short-lived summer discharge, the small tidal energies (characteristic of western arctic shelves) and a spatially varying surface stress field induced by a complicated cross-shelf distribution of sea-ice.

Simple, process-type, three-dimensional numerical models will be used to elucidate the effects on the coastal circulation of a (rapidly) time-varying freshwater discharge subject to a variety of surface stress distributions that mimic the effects of seasonally varying sea-ice distributions and along-shore winds. This research represents the first systematic effort to understand the unique physics of buoyancy-forced flows in the presence of a complex distribution of surface stresses associated with variable sea ice.

The results will guide the development of more sophisticated regional circulation models that can be used to assess global climate change as well as potential for contaminant transport into the Arctic.

Why did you choose UAF? UAF's location and the faculties' specialization in arctic and subarctic processes were key to my choice.

Favorite pastimes and hobbies: My favorite leisure-time activities are cross country skiing, hiking, and backpacking, all of which can be pursued for seemingly endless distances in and around Fairbanks.

Most interesting educational experience so far: The two cruises to the Beaufort Sea that I have been on over the past two summers have been the most interesting educational experiences so far. Not many people have the chance to visit the Arctic Ocean—even if they are studying that area—and so far I have been able to enjoy the scenery and weather of the Beaufort twice.

Future plans: I would like to continue my research on arctic seas.

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