Mariana Miracca Lage will study the turbulent characteristics of submesoscale fronts and filaments
Mariana Miracca Lage is new postdoctoral researcher in oceanography at the Department of Marine Sciences. She has a strong interest in physical-biological coupling, and will focus her research on the turbulence of submesoscale fronts and filaments and their impact on nutrient and carbon cycling – something that is important for phytoplankton.
What will you be working on here?
"My research focuses on the turbulent characteristics of submesoscale fronts and filaments, investigating their role in modulating air–sea fluxes and their impact on nutrient and carbon cycling—with important implications for phytoplankton communities. Typically, the stratification associated with these fronts tends to suppress turbulence in the surface mixed layer; however, under certain conditions, fronts can also generate turbulence through instabilities. To better describe and characterize submesoscale fronts and understand ocean–atmosphere interactions, I will be using high-resolution observations from underwater autonomous vehicles alongside model outputs."
What did you do before?
"I completed both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Oceanography at the Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil. During this time, I developed a strong interest in physical-biological coupling, focusing my undergraduate research on tropical waves and their influence on phytoplankton dynamics. For my Master's, I shifted more toward physical oceanography, investigating the role of density in upper ocean dynamics and how ocean velocity at depth can be inferred from single horizontal density snapshots. More recently, I completed my Ph.D. at Universität Hamburg in collaboration with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany. My research focused on small-scale processes in the surface mixed layer, particularly how turbulence responds to variations in wind speed and surface fluxes."
What do you do when you are not working?
"I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s running, hiking, or reading under the sun. When I’m not out exploring or getting lost on a trail, you’ll probably find me dancing to a good playlist, catching up with friends, or playing video games."
Anything else you would like to share?
"I received a very warm welcome at the University, especially from my research group. I'm truly excited to build collaborations and connections in this new environment."
Polar Gliders Research Group
Mariana Miracca Lage is a postdoctoral researcher in Sebastiaan Swart's Polar Gliders research group.
She will also participate in the ERC funded research project WHIRLS.