Marine Systems Modelling (MSM)

Rain triggers seasonal changes in shelf seas

  • A study led by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has revealed that rain is the main trigger of seasonal stratification in shelf seas.
  • Stratification impacts the spring phytoplankton bloom, which underpins the food web.

Record breaking 2022 indicative of future UK climate

NOC awarded at Royal Meteorological Society Awards

Dr Svetlana Jevrejeva

The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) today announced the Award Winners for 2022 recognising people and teams who have made exceptional contributions relating to weather, climate and associated disciplines.

United Kingdom Coastal Research Conference

The United Kingdom Coastal Research Conference will showcase and celebrate the coastal research being undertaken within the UK. Principally focused on UK academics, organisations and institutions working on UK coastal science, the conference also welcomes research using overseas case studies that are of relevance to the UK.

Best practices for understanding and protecting life on the ocean’s vast seafloor

Large purple sea cucumber on the deep-sea floor (Psychropotes longicauda Théel, 1882; Porcupine Abyssal Plain Sustained Observatory).
  • A new study co-authored by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has standardised collection of vital seafloor data.
  • Reliable and robust seafloor data is essential to inform policy makers and protect the ocean.

New report shows potential of more severe storms reaching the UK

  • Storm patterns have been moving towards the poles since the 1990s increasing the number of storms and storm force winds
  • Wave height from these storms have decreased over the last 30 years in the North of the UK and increased in the South

New research set to improve vital hurricane forecasts

Hurricane Ian caused flood losses estimated at between $8–18bn. Image: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • New research shows a 40% rise in hurricane rainfall rate over land for a 1°C rise in tropical Atlantic Ocean temperatures.
  • In recent years, there have been increasing losses from freshwater flooding associated with United States landfalling hurricanes.

Scientist Spotlight – Meet Ocean Modeller Dr Michela De Dominicis

Dr Michela De Dominicis in one of the coastal areas modelled in her work

Our pioneering Marine Systems Modelling (MSM) scientists develop and use innovative, state-of-the-art ocean models to better understand and predict how oceans work, addressing fundamental challenges in society.

New study paves the way for improved nature-based coastal defences

Satellite image of the Pearl River Delta.
  • A study in the Pearl River Delta in China could greatly assist in providing much needed flood defences for major cities such as Guangzhou
  • Mangrove trees allow excellent protection, but scientists are now able to predict best location for them to provide maximum protection

Atmospheric warming has major implications for ocean circulation in the Mediterranean Sea

Changes in the Mediterranean: orange arrows are winter sea surface temperature, red arrows are air temperature, dark blue arrows are sea-air temperature difference (numbers denote differences, 1986–2020 minus 1951–1985). Map of atmospheric pressure changes; orange indicates unusually high pressure.

A leading scientist at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has discovered that changes taking place in the way the ocean and atmosphere interact in the Mediterranean Sea are threatening the normal connection between the upper and deep ocean layers in this region.

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