UGA Coastal Oceanography: Modeling and Observations

Projects:

Plume Studies

Blue Crab Studies

Data:

DECADE

NJUP

Charles Tilburg
Assistant Professor

220 Marine Sciences Building
School of Marine Programs
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30602
Tel: (706) 583-0049
Fax: (706) 542-5888
Email: tilburg@uga.edu

Research Interests

My research focuses on the circulation of estuaries and the coastal ocean. I am particularly interested in the physical factors that govern the distribution of river plumes , the transport of crab and fish larvae, and across-shelf transport on the continental shelf. My work involves a combination of field observations, remote-sensing techniques, and numerical modeling.

Current projects

Transect
Mixing and Circulation in River Plumes Our work concentrates on the processes that control the vertical and lateral mixing within a river plume during strong wind events. A better understanding of the mixing processes is essential for more accurate insight into the dynamics responsible for pollutant transport, harmful algal blooms, and larval transport in the coastal ocean. In this NSF-sponsored study, we are using an innovative combination of dye injection and surface drifters coupled with an array of moored current meters to measure the small-scale circulation and mixing within a plume.

Transport of blue crab larvae in a buoyancy-driven coastal circulation The physical and biological processes that control the dispersal of larvae on the continental shelf and their eventual transport back to estuarine nurseries are not well understood. Our work focuses on the genesis and maintenance of larval patches in coastal waters as well as the relationship between wind forcing and larval transport. In this Sea Grant-supported investigation, we are using satellite tracking of patches, hydrographic surveys, and numerical modeling of physical and biological processes.

Postdoctoral Associate Position Available

Funding is currently available for a post-doctoral investigator to conduct research in coastal physical oceanography. The successful candidate will process and analyze the extensive data set collected during the dye injection experiments off the coast of Delaware, conduct numerical model studies of larval transport and patch formation, and help prepare papers for journal submission.

Funding is by the National Science Foundation and NOAA/Sea Grant and is available for a one year appointment with likelihood of a second year. The position is available beginning in September 2004. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the physical sciences, preferably in physical oceanography. Fluency in MATLAB and Fortran as well as experience in oceanographic data analysis and numerical modeling are highly desirable.

Applicants should submit a complete CV, a statement of experience and research interests, and the names and addresses of three professional references to Dr. Charles Tilburg, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602. Consideration of the applications will start on April 30, 2004. The University of Georgia is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information, please contact me at tilburg@uga.edu