I am a Marine Geologist at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University in Cairns, Australia. Even though my research base is in northern Australia, my research projects span from polar to tropical seas. I have worked on ocean-going ships for over two decades.
My role as an ocean mapping scientist is to conduct research on the geological characterisation of the seabed, and the mapping of living resources and habitats. My focus is to understand the relationships between the physical environment of the seabed and the distribution of marine life on the seafloor.
It is important to understand the physical-biological relationships on the seabed, as then we can then make predictions about where we can expect to find similar marine life. This knowledge is very useful for resource managers who make vital decisions about where to protect and preserve marine life - even in the deep sea.
My ocean mapping research uses geographic information systems (digital maps), multibeam and sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profilers, underwater video or still imagery, and sediment and water sampling instruments. |
jcu.edu.au
