https://oceanexpert.org/expert/christo.whittle

MSc

Research

Physical Oceanography

Developing earth observation solutions for analysing and monitoring spatio-temporal changes in the dynamics of the Large Marine Ecosystems surrounding southern Africa.  My research activities include the investigation of physical drivers that contribute to meso and large scale variability in the southern Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem and the Agulhas Current in support of sustainable exploitation and management of these marine ecosystems.  It is a complex oceanic region influenced by coastal upwelling processes typical of the Benguela Upwelling System, as well as shelf-edge dynamic upwelling resulting from the variable presence of the Agulhas Current.  Although I also have experience in acquiring and analysing ship-based physical and chemical data during research expeditions, I am currently employed as an Earth Observation Specialist in the Marine Section of the Earth Observation Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.  

South Atlantic Ocean
Indian Ocean
Southern Ocean

• Satellite-derived sea surface temperature and ocean colour data processing and analysis

• Proficient in Windows and Linux computing environments
  

• Developing data processing chains using the Perl, IDL, SeaDAS, Matlab, and Terascan software packages

• Mentoring and teaching graduate students

• Development of Earth Observation products

• Presenting oral and poster contributions at conferences

English

• Member of the Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature Science Team (GHRSST)
• CEOS SST-VC co-lead
• Nansen-Tutu Marine Research Centre Board Member