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.

Krill hotspots in the California Current
A method combining in situ nitrate concentrations and satellite winds provides estimates of nitrate supply in coastal upwelling regions (available for download).

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

Jacoby Baker
Research Technician

Marguerite Blum
Research Technician

Jules Friederich
Research Assistant

Lis Henderson
Postdoctoral Fellow

Brent Jones
Electrical Engineer

Monique Messié
Senior Research Specialist

Kathleen Pitz
Senior Research Technician

Kobun Truelove
Senior Research Technician
Science
- Upper-ocean systems
- Midwater research
- Seafloor processes
- Areas of study
- Past research
Related
Studying marine biodiversity from pole to pole
Dec 13, 2018 – Ocean researchers propose a new "pole-to-pole" Marine Biodiversity Observation Network
Cranes in MBARI’s marine operations
May 30, 2018 – Cranes are integral to MBARI’s marine operations, including moving massive pieces of equipment on and off ships.
A glimpse into the future of marine research
May 3, 2017 – New partnerships and technologies add an exciting new dimension to MBARI's 2017 CANON experiment.