The Red Sea is unique in the global ocean. Because of its location and geological structure, it is among the warmest and saltiest parts of the ocean and is considered an extreme environment. Despite its uniqueness, it is subject the same physical and biogeochemical processes as other ocean areas. Apart from occasional research ship passage with a few sampling stations little research had been done in the main body of the Red Sea prior to the initiation of KAUST. Using ship-based observations, sustained glider lines, and biogeochemical Argo (BGC-Argo) floats, we have built a set of observations that give insights into the interaction between physical and biogeochemical processes, and how seasonal interannual variability affect the processes and fluxes within the Red Sea.
Burton Jones is a Professor in the Red Sea Research Center. His research interests include bio-optical oceanography, physical-biological interactions, coastal processes, and coastal ocean observing systems. He has been involved in studying the dynamics of physical/bio-optical interactions in a variety of environments that include coastal California, the Arabian Sea, Japan/East Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and now the Red Sea.