Physical Oceanography Division
Source: http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/physical-oceanography-division
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Physical Oceanography Division
"
Physical Oceanography Division
Physical Oceanography
The Physical Oceanography Division is comprised of scientists, engineers, and technical support staff that aid NOAA’s mission by observing and studying ocean and climate dynamics, the physical drivers of ecosystem variability, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic activities on marine resources. We study how ocean changes affect climate, marine ecosystems, and coastal and inland communities. We also share and build on the current state of knowledge by maintaining valuable, long-term datasets of changes over time.
Research Themes
Global Ocean Observing System
AOML works with partners around the world to develop and maintain key components of these systems of observing technologies, known collectively as the Global Ocean Observing System. The resulting observations have been shown to improve weather forecasts and advance our knowledge of climate fluctuations.
Learn More…
Meridional Overturning Circulation
The overturning circulation is one of the primary ways that the oceans move heat, salt, carbon and nutrients throughout the global oceans. Changes in the AMOC over time have a pronounced impact on a variety of socially important weather and climate phenomena, on the blue economy, and on commerce. AOML scientists have shown that these changes predict precipitation changes around the world.
Learn More…
Ocean Observations for the Blue Economy
AOML scientists have developed several tools and reporting systems in conjunction with our partners to reduce ship strikes for endangered right whales, track larval distributions for better stock assessments, and provide information to track bluefin tuna fisheries.
Learn More…
The Ocean and Extreme Weather
Scientists at AOML are working to extend the forecast for extreme weather events (such as heatwaves, tornadoes, and hurricanes). Improved forecasts serve to provide emergency managers, government officials, businesses, and the public with better advanced warning to minimize catastrophic loss of life and damage to critical infrastructure.
Learn more…
Featured Projects
Global Drifter Program
Argo Program
XBT Network
Hurricane Gliders
Western Boundary Time Series
PIRATA Northeast Extension
Southwest Meridional Overturning Circulation (SAM)
Tropical Atlantic Variability
More Research Projects
Saildrone
South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (SAMOC)
Featured Projects
PIRATA
Argo
Global Drifter Program
XBT Network
Hurricane Gliders
Western Boundary Time Series
More PHOD Research Projects
Tropical Atlantic Variability
South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Southwest Atlantic MOC
Saildrone
Featured Projects
PIRATA
Featured Publications
Hong, J. S., Kim, D., Lopez, H., Lee, S. K., Mercer, A., & Johnson, N. C. (2025). Projected increase in ENSO-induced US winter extreme hydroclimate events in SPEAR large ensemble simulation.
npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
,
8
(1), 84.
Gramer, L.J., J. Steffen, M. Aristizabal, and H.-Y. Kim, 2024: The impact of coupling a dynamic ocean in the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System.
Frontiers in Earth Science
, 12;1418016.
Tuchen, F.P., R.C. Perez, G.R. Foltz, M.J. McPhaden, and R. Lumpkin, 2024: Strengthening of the equatorial Pacific upper-ocean circulation over the past three decades.
Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans
, 129(11):e2024JC021343.
Volkov, D., R.H. Smith, R.F. Garcia, D. Smeed, B. Moat, W. Johns, and M.O. Baringer, 2024: Florida Current transport observations reveal four decades of steady state.
Nature Communications
, 15:7780.
Looking for more scientific literature? Visit our Publication Database.
Recent News
April 8, 2026
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
There’s a unique interplay between surface winds, the Gulf Stream current, and the continental shelf in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), that has long been overlooked. Researchers have often speculated that the strength of the Gulf Stream and proximity to the coast impacts primary production and other processes driving essential ecosystems. However, to what degree […]
February 23, 2026
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
On August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a major Hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend after meandering through the northwestern Caribbean and intensifying over the warm waters of the Gulf of America. In its aftermath, damage on land was immediately visible, but observations from satellites and ocean-going robots revealed that the ocean was also […]
December 16, 2025
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
As 2025 comes to an end, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is proud to present a recap of some of our research accomplishments, creative tools, and significant impacts. Enjoy our “12 days of research” series where we highlight the vital work AOML is conducting to protect life, property, and our natural resources.
Recent News
April 8, 2026
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
February 23, 2026
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
December 16, 2025
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
Recent News
April 8, 2026
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
February 23, 2026
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
December 16, 2025
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
products
NOAA SciJinks Web Game
NOAA’s
Adopt a Drifter Program’s
(ADP) first summer intern designed and developed
Ocean Odyssey: Tracking Marine Debris
, a
NOAA SciJinks
web game suitable for K-12 audiences.
Ocean Odyssey incorporates historic drifter data and helps middle school audiences understand how ocean surface currents transport marine debris and how users can help keep our oceans clean. The new SciJinks game is the latest addition to the ADP’s growing list of resources for educators! Teachers can now introduce the topic of ocean surface currents and marine debris in an informative and fun manner.
Play the game!
products
Physical Oceanography Products
NOAA Wave Ensemble Reforecast
A unique 20-year global wave reforecast has been released.
As part of a funded climate project to extend marine hazard information to week two and beyond, with a focus on oceanic waves, the principal investigator, Dr. Ricardo Martins Campos, has concluded a 20-year wave reforecast using GEFSv12 wind forcings. The reforecast information, along with a more detailed description, is available at the web sites below. We are happy to have generated a long wave reforecast dataset by joining the efforts of multiple centers, including OPC, EMC, CPC, and AOML/CIMAS.
https://registry.opendata.aws/noaa-wave-ensemble-reforecast/
https://noaa-nws-gefswaves-reforecast-pds.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html
The first publicly available 20-year wave reforecast dataset, which includes extensive validation and discussions on its performance, has been released! This reforecast provides valuable insights for improving wave forecasts, particularly in extreme weather events. It offers a reliable reference for both research and operational applications, enhancing the understanding and prediction of ocean wave conditions over time.
Publication:
Development and Validation of NOAA’s 20-Year Global Wave Ensemble Reforecast
Sargassum Inundation Reports
Assesses the risk of Sargassum coastal inundation in the Caribbean and Gulf regions
Since 2011, large accumulations of Sargassum is a recurrent problem in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of America, and tropical Atlantic Ocean. These events can cause significant economic, environmental and public health harm. AOML developed experimental Sargassum Inundation Reports (SIR) to provide an overview of the risk of Sargassum coastal inundation in the Caribbean and Gulf regions. SIR is the result of the collaboration between the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (NOAA/AOML), NOAA/CoastWatch/OceanWatch, and USF. To view the reports, click
here
.
For anyone who would like to contribute with a report of Sargassum sighting, please go to
this page.
Ocean Observations Viewer
Providing real-time ocean observations with in-situ sampling
In situ and satellite observations, and some derived products to assess ocean and atmosphere conditions prior, during, or after tropical cyclones. To visit the Ocean Observations viewer, click
here
.
Physical Oceanography Data
Data from buoys, satellites, and instruments on the sea floor can be accessed on our
Data
page or by clicking the links below.
Argo Data
: Broad-scale global array of temperature and salinity profiling floats.
Satellite Data
: Sea height anomaly, sea surface and water column temperature, and surface currents.
Global Drifter Data
: Global surface currents, drifter-derived climatology, and seasonal current animations.
State of the Observing System Data
: The State of the Ocean Observing System is our evaluation of how well essential ocean and climate variables are being measured.
XBT Data
: Temperature, structure, and time-dependent ocean properties of the Atlantic Subtropical Gyre.
Florida Current Transport Time Series
: Submerged cables provide voltage differential to measure daily transport
Contact
Renellys Perez
Deputy Director, Physical Oceanography Division
| Renellys Perez, Ph. D.
Deputy Director, Physical Oceanography Division
See the Divisional Directory
"
Physical Oceanography Division
Physical Oceanography
The Physical Oceanography Division is comprised of scientists, engineers, and technical support staff that aid NOAA’s mission by observing and studying ocean and climate dynamics, the physical drivers of ecosystem variability, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic activities on marine resources. We study how ocean changes affect climate, marine ecosystems, and coastal and inland communities. We also share and build on the current state of knowledge by maintaining valuable, long-term datasets of changes over time.
Research Themes
Global Ocean Observing System
AOML works with partners around the world to develop and maintain key components of these systems of observing technologies, known collectively as the Global Ocean Observing System. The resulting observations have been shown to improve weather forecasts and advance our knowledge of climate fluctuations.
Learn More…
Meridional Overturning Circulation
The overturning circulation is one of the primary ways that the oceans move heat, salt, carbon and nutrients throughout the global oceans. Changes in the AMOC over time have a pronounced impact on a variety of socially important weather and climate phenomena, on the blue economy, and on commerce. AOML scientists have shown that these changes predict precipitation changes around the world.
Learn More…
Ocean Observations for the Blue Economy
AOML scientists have developed several tools and reporting systems in conjunction with our partners to reduce ship strikes for endangered right whales, track larval distributions for better stock assessments, and provide information to track bluefin tuna fisheries.
Learn More…
The Ocean and Extreme Weather
Scientists at AOML are working to extend the forecast for extreme weather events (such as heatwaves, tornadoes, and hurricanes). Improved forecasts serve to provide emergency managers, government officials, businesses, and the public with better advanced warning to minimize catastrophic loss of life and damage to critical infrastructure.
Learn more…
Featured Projects
Global Drifter Program
Argo Program
XBT Network
Hurricane Gliders
Western Boundary Time Series
PIRATA Northeast Extension
Southwest Meridional Overturning Circulation (SAM)
Tropical Atlantic Variability
More Research Projects
Saildrone
South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (SAMOC)
Featured Projects
PIRATA
Argo
Global Drifter Program
XBT Network
Hurricane Gliders
Western Boundary Time Series
More PHOD Research Projects
Tropical Atlantic Variability
South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Southwest Atlantic MOC
Saildrone
Featured Projects
PIRATA
Featured Publications
Hong, J. S., Kim, D., Lopez, H., Lee, S. K., Mercer, A., & Johnson, N. C. (2025). Projected increase in ENSO-induced US winter extreme hydroclimate events in SPEAR large ensemble simulation.
npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
,
8
(1), 84.
Gramer, L.J., J. Steffen, M. Aristizabal, and H.-Y. Kim, 2024: The impact of coupling a dynamic ocean in the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System.
Frontiers in Earth Science
, 12;1418016.
Tuchen, F.P., R.C. Perez, G.R. Foltz, M.J. McPhaden, and R. Lumpkin, 2024: Strengthening of the equatorial Pacific upper-ocean circulation over the past three decades.
Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans
, 129(11):e2024JC021343.
Volkov, D., R.H. Smith, R.F. Garcia, D. Smeed, B. Moat, W. Johns, and M.O. Baringer, 2024: Florida Current transport observations reveal four decades of steady state.
Nature Communications
, 15:7780.
Looking for more scientific literature? Visit our Publication Database.
Recent News
April 8, 2026
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
There’s a unique interplay between surface winds, the Gulf Stream current, and the continental shelf in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), that has long been overlooked. Researchers have often speculated that the strength of the Gulf Stream and proximity to the coast impacts primary production and other processes driving essential ecosystems. However, to what degree […]
February 23, 2026
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
On August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a major Hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend after meandering through the northwestern Caribbean and intensifying over the warm waters of the Gulf of America. In its aftermath, damage on land was immediately visible, but observations from satellites and ocean-going robots revealed that the ocean was also […]
December 16, 2025
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
As 2025 comes to an end, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is proud to present a recap of some of our research accomplishments, creative tools, and significant impacts. Enjoy our “12 days of research” series where we highlight the vital work AOML is conducting to protect life, property, and our natural resources.
Recent News
April 8, 2026
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
February 23, 2026
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
December 16, 2025
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
Recent News
April 8, 2026
Alongshore winds drive variability of key biogeochemical processes
February 23, 2026
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
December 16, 2025
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
products
NOAA SciJinks Web Game
NOAA’s
Adopt a Drifter Program’s
(ADP) first summer intern designed and developed
Ocean Odyssey: Tracking Marine Debris
, a
NOAA SciJinks
web game suitable for K-12 audiences.
Ocean Odyssey incorporates historic drifter data and helps middle school audiences understand how ocean surface currents transport marine debris and how users can help keep our oceans clean. The new SciJinks game is the latest addition to the ADP’s growing list of resources for educators! Teachers can now introduce the topic of ocean surface currents and marine debris in an informative and fun manner.
Play the game!
products
Physical Oceanography Products
NOAA Wave Ensemble Reforecast
A unique 20-year global wave reforecast has been released.
As part of a funded climate project to extend marine hazard information to week two and beyond, with a focus on oceanic waves, the principal investigator, Dr. Ricardo Martins Campos, has concluded a 20-year wave reforecast using GEFSv12 wind forcings. The reforecast information, along with a more detailed description, is available at the web sites below. We are happy to have generated a long wave reforecast dataset by joining the efforts of multiple centers, including OPC, EMC, CPC, and AOML/CIMAS.
https://registry.opendata.aws/noaa-wave-ensemble-reforecast/
https://noaa-nws-gefswaves-reforecast-pds.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html
The first publicly available 20-year wave reforecast dataset, which includes extensive validation and discussions on its performance, has been released! This reforecast provides valuable insights for improving wave forecasts, particularly in extreme weather events. It offers a reliable reference for both research and operational applications, enhancing the understanding and prediction of ocean wave conditions over time.
Publication:
Development and Validation of NOAA’s 20-Year Global Wave Ensemble Reforecast
Sargassum Inundation Reports
Assesses the risk of Sargassum coastal inundation in the Caribbean and Gulf regions
Since 2011, large accumulations of Sargassum is a recurrent problem in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of America, and tropical Atlantic Ocean. These events can cause significant economic, environmental and public health harm. AOML developed experimental Sargassum Inundation Reports (SIR) to provide an overview of the risk of Sargassum coastal inundation in the Caribbean and Gulf regions. SIR is the result of the collaboration between the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (NOAA/AOML), NOAA/CoastWatch/OceanWatch, and USF. To view the reports, click
here
.
For anyone who would like to contribute with a report of Sargassum sighting, please go to
this page.
Ocean Observations Viewer
Providing real-time ocean observations with in-situ sampling
In situ and satellite observations, and some derived products to assess ocean and atmosphere conditions prior, during, or after tropical cyclones. To visit the Ocean Observations viewer, click
here
.
Physical Oceanography Data
Data from buoys, satellites, and instruments on the sea floor can be accessed on our
Data
page or by clicking the links below.
Argo Data
: Broad-scale global array of temperature and salinity profiling floats.
Satellite Data
: Sea height anomaly, sea surface and water column temperature, and surface currents.
Global Drifter Data
: Global surface currents, drifter-derived climatology, and seasonal current animations.
State of the Observing System Data
: The State of the Ocean Observing System is our evaluation of how well essential ocean and climate variables are being measured.
XBT Data
: Temperature, structure, and time-dependent ocean properties of the Atlantic Subtropical Gyre.
Florida Current Transport Time Series
: Submerged cables provide voltage differential to measure daily transport
Contact
Renellys Perez
Deputy Director, Physical Oceanography Division
| Renellys Perez, Ph. D.
Deputy Director, Physical Oceanography Division
See the Divisional Directory