Alexander Brearley

Research Area

I am an observational physical oceanographer, with strong interests in Southern Ocean circulation, ice-ocean interactions, turbulence and the use of ship- and autonomous observations. These observations are designed to elucidate the role of the ocean circulation within the climate system, through quantifying metrics such as volume and heat transport and the exchange of heat and carbon with the atmosphere. I have particular expertise in the collection and analysis of data from autonomous underwater vehicles, including but not limited to ocean gliders. I am currently involved in projects to understand the impact of changing sea ice on upper ocean stratification and dynamics, the influence of winds on ocean mixed layer development, and the role of topography in modifying the heat budget of the West Antarctic.

Project Interests

I am particularly interested in developing projects to understand the mixing and heat budget of the West Antarctic using novel observations from small boats, research ships, moorings, profiling floats and autonomous underwater vehicles. BAS have been making continuous measurements in this region for the past 25 years, meaning that the impact of both decadal variability and atmospheric forcing can now begin to be unravelled. Working with colleagues at BAS, I am also interested in interpreting the biogeochemical implications of these physical data, and impacts on the highly productive surface ecosystem of the Peninsula.