Climate, Ocean, and Atmosphere at St Andrews (COASt)

Sandaig

On the very outer edge of our planet exists an impossibly thin fragile fluid layer. This layer – our ocean and atmosphere, and the climate that they support – is perhaps the most defining feature of life on Earth. It is the reason for our planet's habitability, and its diversity. It impacts where we live, what we eat, how we spend our time. It even defines our cultures and politics.

But why is the climate configured as it is? Has it always been this way? What will it look like in the future?

The Climate, Ocean, and Atmosphere at St Andrews (COASt) research group studies fundamental and topical questions about our coupled ocean-atmosphere and climate system. Combining expertise in oceanography, atmospheric dynamics, paleoclimate, and biogeochemistry, COASt sets out to:

derive fundamental insight into the physical and biogeochemical dynamics of the atmosphere, the ocean, and their interaction;
reconstruct, decipher and understand the causes of past climatic change;
make robust predictions for how the ocean and atmosphere will change in coming decades and millennia.

The group's research involves using a combination of global observations, paleoclimate proxy records, simplified ocean and atmosphere numerical simulations, and complex Earth System Models. COASt is a dynamic and vibrant group, hosting regular meetings and social events to foster collaborations, build community, and drive exciting new science.

COASt is always keen to hear from prospective post-doctoral researchers, potential PhD and Masters students, as well as other new and enthusiastic collaborators. So please, get in touch!