Master of Science (MSc)

Stephanie started her Masters in Physical Oceanography in February 2005. Her surpervisors are Associate Professor Nathan Bindoff (IASOS/CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research/TPAC/ACE CRC), Dr Steve Rintoul (CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research) and Dr Jason Roberts (TPAC/ACE CRC).

Her project title is 'An analysis of the climate impacts on water masses in the Southern Ocean.

The Southern Ocean plays an important role in controlling the complex interactions of global ocean circulation. However, the understanding of the primary mechanisms forcing these variations and trends is incomplete. We determine changes in water masses and their subduction rate in the Southern Ocean (30°S to 60°S) using the CSIRO Mk3.0 Climate System Model, and other Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models’ results, using decadal averages between 1950 and 2100. Further analysis of the temperature and salinity properties of these two water masses, on neutral density surfaces in the upper 2000m, shows a striking pattern of change similar to observations in the 20th century.

Stephanie's research interests include climate change, mode and intermediate water masses, overturning circulation and subtropical gyres.

For more information:

Ph: 03 6226 2726

Email: S.Downes@utas.edu.au