Biological Oceanography Group
Francisco P. Chavez, Principal Investigator
We study the biology and chemistry of the ocean in relation to global change. How climate, ocean physics, marine chemistry, and ocean ecosystems co-vary on global to meso scales, and how this affects the temporal and spatial variability in phytoplankton biomass, composition and production.
The primary questions we seek to answer are:
- What are the mean and fluctuating components of phytoplankton primary production, biomass and species composition on time scales ranging from days to years.
- What are the physical, chemical and biological processes responsible for the mean and fluctuating components.
- What controls primary production and phytoplankton growth rates.
- What is the role of meso and macrozooplankton in coastal upwelling systems.
- What is the fate of primary production?
- What are the biological consequences of El Niño.
Focusing on the upper water column, we use instrumentation and systems for long-term ocean observing, such as satellite remote sensing, instrumented moorings and drifters, autonomous vehicles, and ships.

Glider and mooring data plots
Moorings float above the seafloor and can constantly take a variety of measurements, giving researchers a clear picture of oceanographic conditions.

Monterey Bay Time Series Data
Summary graphs from the Monterey Bay Time Series (MBTS) CTD cruises. Includes physical, chemical, and biological samples. Updated quarterly.

Nitrate supply estimates in upwelling systems
A method combining in situ nitrate concentrations and satellite winds provides estimates of nitrate supply in coastal upwelling regions (available for download).

Global modes of sea surface temperature
A century-long EOF analysis of global sea surface temperature (SST) identified modes associated with regional climate phenomena. Plots and time series are updated monthly.

M1 Mooring Summary Data
Climatology graphs of sea temperature (0m, 60m 100m), ISUS nitrate, HS Chlorophyll, and upwelling indices from 1990 to the present. Updated daily.

Mooring data
A brief survey of current data from the M1 mooring in graphical representation. Updated daily.

Biological oceanography technology
Our lab uses moorings, gliders, AUVs, and CTD measurements to study fundamental oceanographic phenomena.
Team

Francisco P. Chavez
Senior Scientist/
Biological Oceanographer

Marguerite Blum
Research Technician

Jules Friederich
Research Assistant

Brent Jones
Engineer

Monique Messié
Research Specialist

Reiko P. Michisaki
Senior Research Technician

Devon Northcott
Research Assistant

J. Timothy Pennington
Research Specialist

Kathleen Pitz
Postdoctoral Fellow

Kristine Walz
Research Assistant
Science
- Upper-ocean systems
- Midwater research
- Seafloor processes
- Areas of study
- Past research
- Research publications
Related
Mooring maintenance from diver’s perspective
Oct 29, 2015 - MBARI divers conduct routine maintenance on the M1 mooring in Monterey Bay. The M1 mooring was installed in 1989 when the Institute was only two years old. Since then, the buoy, equipped with dozens of different scientific instruments, has collected over 25 years of data.
A hot time in Monterey Bay
Oct 20, 2015 - MBARI researchers have been monitoring seawater temperatures at our M1 mooring in the middle of Monterey Bay since 1990. Biological oceanographer Francisco Chavez has been analyzing these data to find out how they reflect conditions in the Pacific Ocean as a whole.
Ocean head count: Scientists develop new methods to track ocean biodiversity
May 11, 2015 - How can you track changes in complex marine ecosystems over time? MBARI scientists are part of a team trying to do just this with a five-year, $7 million grant through the National Ocean Partnership Program.