Plankton Dynamics, Physical and Chemical Processes

In oceanography, the natural environment is studied in all of its complexity. The following themes may involve the use of observations, modeling, and experimentation for the studies, in order to ascertain the interaction between various scales and physical, chemical and biological processes.

• Observational studies of the ocean at various scales (mainly small- and meso-scales) for examining the interaction between physical, chemical and biological processes that are relevant to biological production. The effects of meso-scale physical structures on ecosystems. Biological cycles, mixed layers, and ocean-atmosphere exchanges.
• The diversity and community structure of zooplankton depending on the trophic environment.
• The origins of the variability of zooplankton and the role of climatic, hydrologic, biologic, and anthropogenic factors.
• The role of key species of zooplankton in the transfer of energy and matter.
• Diagnostic and/or statistical models of trophic networks, as relevant to the interpretation of observations.
• Effects of natural micro-scale variability on the physics of biological processes are examined using experimental studies in controlled environments and modeling studies.