Oceanic processes in global change

On the basis of a trans-disciplinary approach, combining physical, chemical and biological marine sciences, we will address the observation, experimentation and modelling of both evidence for and impacts of warming, acidification, fertilization and de-oxygenation of the ocean ecosystems in response to global change. Our efforts will be focussed on: 1) mesocale and sub-mesoscale circulation in coastal upwelling ecosystems, particularly the Iberian-Canarias system, and its impact on biological and biogeochemical processes; 2) the thermohaline and chemical evolution of the oceanic water masses; 3) the ocean's absorption of excess anthropogenic CO2 accumulated in the atmosphere and its consequences; 4) the pelagic and benthonic regeneration processes and the related exchanges between sediment and water column; and 5) the structure, composition and dynamics of the microbial communities in an ocean undergoing global change.