Discovery and tracking of coherent structures in geophysical flows. Coherent structures in geophysical flows play fundamental roles by organising fluid flow and obstructing transport. For example, ocean eddies strongly influence the transportation of heat, nutrients, phytoplankton, and fish larvae, in both the horizontal and vertical direction. Many coherent structures are very difficult to detect and track by direct measurement (for example satellite observations), and current mathematical tech ....Discovery and tracking of coherent structures in geophysical flows. Coherent structures in geophysical flows play fundamental roles by organising fluid flow and obstructing transport. For example, ocean eddies strongly influence the transportation of heat, nutrients, phytoplankton, and fish larvae, in both the horizontal and vertical direction. Many coherent structures are very difficult to detect and track by direct measurement (for example satellite observations), and current mathematical techniques cannot provide an adequate global description. This project aims to create innovative new mathematical theory and numerical methods to discover and track coherent structures over time frames of physical importance, contributing significantly to our understanding of their role in the oceans' biosphere and climate.Read moreRead less
Innovative mathematics using transfer operators to reveal hidden ordered structures in geophysical flows. Complicated fluid flow is at the heart of physical oceanography and atmospheric science. This research will develop new mathematical technologies to reveal hidden ordered structures around which complicated fluid flow is organised. This new analytical approach will lead to more accurate circulation predictions from ocean and atmosphere models.