Based on IMAS research and teaching, the University of Tasmania ranks 7th in the world for Oceanography in the . Here's a taste of the fascinating oceanography research IMAS is doing.
Humans are driving changes in ocean circulation, eddies and marine heatwaves off southeastern Australia
The ocean off southeastern Australia is a global warming hotspot with near-surface waters warming at nearly four times the global average rate, linked to enhanced southward transport in the East Australian Current.
(Image: RV Investigator launching a float in the Southern Ocean)
IMAS researchers have found that future projections under anthropogenic climate change indicate , linked with wind forcing over the Pacific Ocean, and .
Such changes lead to increases in both the mean ocean temperature (overall warming) and temperature variability (due to greater eddy activity).
Together, these changes lead to a “double impact” which , or “marine heatwaves”, in the region, with drastic impacts on fragile, cool-water marine ecosystems.