Physical and Chemical Oceanography Research Group (PCO)

The Physical and Chemical Oceanography Research Group is mainly responsible for shipboard observations, which among observation systems provide the most accurate and various data. By analyzing these accurate and various data, this group seeks to clarify subtle but significant changes in the global ocean environment and to understand physical-chemical linkages in the ocean. In addition, this group addresses technological developments to enable accurate and various measurements in shipboard observations.

Interdisciplinary basin-scale observation experiment linking physical and biogeochemical oceanography

Ship-based observation systems for biogeochemical data are still underdeveloping. By improving observation instruments and sensors for high-quality biogeochemical data on GO-SHIP type cruises, this group promotes the integration of physical and biogeochemical oceanography.

(Upper) Annual upper ocean dissolved oxygen balance based on the ship-based and float observations (Tmol O2/year). (Lower) Global O2-based annual net community production (ANCP, mol C/m2/year) due to the primary production by phytoplankton in the upper ocean. Yamaguchi et al, Nature Communications Earth & Environment, 2024.