Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people around the world. Ocean warming and intensifying heatwaves are killing coral reefs and there are urgent efforts underway to identify and protect those capable of surviving future warming. Coral reefs in the central equatorial Pacific have experienced three extreme heat events over the last two decades. Initial observational data obtained by the investigators show that coral mortality during each event was spatially variable, implying that some coral communities have developed resilience to thermal stress. In this study, the investigators are examining the role of fine-scale variations in reef temperature and water flow in promoting coral resilience by providing opportunities for genetic adaptation, by protectively cooling corals through upwelling or internal waves, or by enhancing food supply. Results will provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which coral communities survive extreme heat and a new tool that allows scientists and coral reef managers to identify resilient reefs for protection. Additionally, this project is supporting an early-career scientist, graduate and undergraduate research, opportunities for high school students in the United States to participate in research, as well as participation by Kanton high school students. Outreach will be conducted through presentations and a variety of media, including film. The hydrodynamic model output will be made publicly available, and project outcomes will contribute to a universal map of coral thermal thresholds currently under development by the scientific community.
Ocean warming and intensifying heatwaves are devastating coral reefs across the global tropics. Consequently, a coordinated effort is underway to identify and protect coral communities that can survive these changes. This interdisciplinary team of investigators is combining oceanographic observations, 3-dimensional fine-scale hydrodynamic model simulations, benthic surveys, and biological assays to investigate the role of reef hydrodynamics in facilitating coral resilience to thermal stress on Kanton Island in the central equatorial Pacific. The investigators are testing the hypothesis that oceanographic and atmospheric forcing interact with reef bathymetry to induce predictable fine-scale heterogeneity in water temperature and flow across the reef. They are also testing the hypothesis that environmental heterogeneity, in turn, facilitates coral survival of extreme heat by providing opportunities for genetic adaptation, protective cooling, and/or enhanced food supply. Results will provide insights into the biophysical mechanisms underpinning reef resilience and a new tool with which to predict resilience across a broad range of coral reef ecosystems.
This project is supported with funds from the Biological and Physical Oceanography Programs.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated recent PhD with expertise in tropical, shallow water coral reef ecology, coral physiology and/or coral genetics, have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, willingness to go to sea for extended periods in remote places, extensive field experience and an AAUS certification or equivalent at the time of hire.
Our research focuses on the biophysics of coral resilience to thermal stress, merging expertise in observational physical oceanography, 3-D high-resolution hydrodynamic modeling, coral reef ecology and coral physiology (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2049567)
Thus, applicants with an interest in oceanography and/or climate, a willingness to think outside of the box, to interact across disciplines and work collaboratively and generously are especially encouraged.? In addition, the position provides an opportunity to join our NSF funded Convergence Accelerator, a new collaboration amongst academic scientists, coral reef island NGO?s, industrial partners and conservation organizations to build the first Coral Reef Digital Twin.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has a top-rated postdoctoral program that supports a dynamic postdoctoral community with formal mentoring and career guidance programs. The Postdoctoral Investigator will have the opportunity to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply as we strive to increase equity and inclusion in ocean science.
The position start date will be no later than April 1, 2022.Please apply online, with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.
Informal inquiries may be made by email to Anne Cohen (acohen@whoi.edu).
You can find out more by clicking here.