Physical oceanographers investigate processes that control fluid motion and distribution of water properties like temperature and salinity in the open ocean, on continental shelves, in estuaries, and in the near shore.

Skidaway Institute scientists use data from observations, analytical and numerical models, or their combination to reveal patterns in transport of energy, momentum, and biological/chemical materials, and discern the effects of waves, tides, wind, rivers, and other sources of forcing from short time and length scales to those that govern climate. Members of the physical oceanography group at Skidaway Institute include:

Edwards lab — coastal physical oceanography, marine robotics/autonomous sampling

Foukal lab — physical oceanography

Some examples of physical oceanographic research at Skidaway Institute include:

Nick Foukal receives NASA SWOT funding to study circulation along Northwest Atlantic Shelf

UGA Skidaway Institute underwater gliders contribute to hurricane forecasts

UGA Skidaway Institute scientists use cutting edge tools to track fish migrations

UGA Skidaway Institute scientists study dynamic Cape Hatteras waters

UGA Skidaway Institute receives funding for regional glider network