Responsibilities

• Supervision of Ph.D. students
• Member of coordination committee
• Work package leader WP2

Research Interest

• Plankton ecology
• Primary production of the Humboldt Current Upwelling System

Abstract

• COPAS Center focuses its main multi- and interdisciplinary research on the physical, biogeochemical, ecological and paleoceanographic processes that occur in the systems of the Eastern South Pacific (ESP) region. Its scientific goals in the medium-term (5 years) are: i) to analyze and understand the impact of the ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) cycle and other large scale phenomena in the region and its feed-back on the climatic system, ii) to study the structure and function of the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) and its impact on the climatic system, and iii) to identify the role that the Antarctic Intermediate Waters (AAIW) play in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the region and its modification due to the global climate change. Among its interests with social impact the COPAS favors the collaboration with national and foreign scientists, and with international organizations in the achievement of the goals. Besides the normal educational activities of a FONDAP Center, also inherent to its nature is a robust outreaching and information transference program both to decision and policy makers as well as to the general public and students at all levels on oceanographic and climate issues.

Keywords

• upwelling, plankton production, pelagic system, carbon fluxes