Surface Active Substances (SAS) are naturally occurring compounds that accumulate in the ocean's sea-surface microlayer (SML). They reduce gas transfer velocities and play a key role in modulating air-sea gas exchange, directly influencing estimates of greenhouse gas fluxes. Karin Kvale (Aotearoa Blue Ocean Research, New Zealand) has developed a novel global SAS product (1° x 1° resolution) based on satellite-derived Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Particulate Organic Carbon (POC). This student project will test the accuracy of this satellite-based SAS dataset by comparing it with a global compilation of in situ SAS measurements. The main objective will be to harmonize the global in situ SAS dataset with consistent spatial and temporal metadata. This will allow to align in situ and satellite SAS data on a 1° x 1° grid to be able to quantify agreement through correlation, bias, and regression methods.

We Offer:

·        Expertise in ocean surface processes

·        Support in data analysis

·        A collaborative and international research environment

You Bring:

·        Interest in computational and interdisciplinary research

·        Programming skills

·        Strong English skills

·        Motivation to work with environmental data