PhD student interested in submeso- to large scale ocean dynamics.
Ali Jonhson is a PhD student at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.
SWOT AdAC: What is your field of research and how did you choose it?
Ali Johnson: I am an observational physical oceanographer interested in submeso- to large scale ocean dynamics. I currently study cross frontal exchange and eddy heat flux across jets of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in the lee of major topographic features.
SWOT AdAC: How is your field of research related to SWOT?
AJ: I hope to look at various spatial scales of horizontal diffusivity within a mixing length framework in the Cape Cauldron region as part of the QUICCHE campaign. SWOT data will help me characterize the largest scales of mixing at high spatial and temporal resolution to compare with measurements collected during our cruise in March 2023.
SWOT AdAC: What do you find exciting about SWOT and the QUICCHE campaign in which you will be participating? How will you contribute to the campaign?
AJ: The purpose of the QUICCHE experiment is to make observations of mixing at unprecedented temporal and spatial scales. Only SWOT provides the level of resolution required to aid in the parameterization of these processes. I’m excited to be able to use some of the first data from the SWOT missions!
SWOT AdAC: What are your plans after the SWOT-AdAC campaign
AJ: I plan to use data from the QUICCHE campaign in concert with data collected during a month-long cruise in the Cape Cauldron region of the South Atlantic to finish my Ph.D. work. I will likely look for post-doc positions and hope to continue working with the QUICCHE team.
