faculty Spotlight

Dr. Vladimir M. Kamenkovich

I came to physical oceanography from theoretical fluid dynamics, which I studied at the Moscow State University. When I graduated from the University, the analysis of gas motion with velocities near the speed of sound and larger was considered the most challenging branch of fluid dynamics. This interest was caused by the needs of modern aircraft and rocket technology. Geophysical applications were not popular among fluid dynamics theorists at that time. My initial interest in the new application of fluid dynamical concepts and approaches to ocean dynamics was fostered by the lectures of Prof. I. A. KIbel on weather forecasting (an elective course when I was a senior student) and also by some discussions with Prof. V. B. Shtockmann, who suggested that I enter the graduate program of the Institute of Oceanology. I accepted this invitation and understood very quickly that it was the right choice. Reading literature and talking to my new colleagues, I became fascinated by new, interesting problems.

The most challenging problem now is the theory of Earth's climate. General ocean circulation plays a profound role in the climate formation by transporting heat and salinity in the World Ocean. In this connection, circulation in the Indonesian seas turns out to be very important. It is the major connecting link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The objective is to understand the dynamics of transformation of Pacific waters within the Indonesian seas and reveal the basic factors responsible for this transformation. This is not an easy problem. Circulation in the Indonesian seas is influenced by very complicated coastline geometry and bottom topography. The area is known to consist of numerous narrow passages connecting various basins and a great number of islands. I have been working on this problem for several years with my graduate students Bill Burnett and Kieran O’Driscoll. As our main tool for the analysis, we developed a special numerical model. The analysis of this models output allowed us to obtain clear answers to many dynamical questions regarding the Indonesian seas circulation. In the figure below, we show as an example the simulated flow through the Lifamatola Passage (approximately at latitude 2S and longitudes 126.5E – 127.5E), one of the most important passages in the area. This pattern was very well supported by observations. The salty South Pacific water, overflowing the sill in this passage near the bottom, plays a significant role in the formation of salinity and temperature of waters exiting the area toward the Indian Ocean.

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Research Highlights: (click to enlarge)