Researcher Spotlight – Meet Jabeen Safeer, Exploring Submesoscale Dynamics in the Ocean

We are delighted introduce you to Jabeen Safeer, a dedicated PhD student at the University of Hamburg, working within the TRR 181 framework in the Theoretical Oceanography group. Supervised by Dr. Evridiki Chrysagi and Prof. Dr. Carsten Eden, Jabeen’s research focuses on the energetics of the surface ocean, particularly the intricate interactions of submesoscale motions with Langmuir turbulence. Her work employs high-resolution regional simulations and observational data to unravel the complex multiscale processes that influence ocean mixing. Driven by a collaborative environment and a passion for understanding ocean dynamics, Jabeen aims to contribute to improved climate models and better predictions of our changing planet.

What is your current scientific role within the TRR 181 and your institutional affiliation?

“I am a PhD student within TRR 181 at the University of Hamburg, working in the Theoretical Oceanography group. My research focuses on the energetics of the surface ocean, specifically within subproject T2. “

What motivates you to work in this field?

“One of the main motivators for me is the collaborative research environment fostered by TRR 181, which encourages accountability and provides clear milestones. At the beginning of my PhD, my aim was to gain a solid understanding of how the climate model work and to learn how to configure them for new experiments. After one year, my motivation has become more focused on identifying relevant research questions that can utilize the capabilities of the model in the best way possible.”

How has your background and career path shaped your approach to climate science?

“My background in physical oceanography during my master’s studies was more focused on descriptive and statistical methods. Moving to a different country and joining a theoretical group introduced me to new perspectives and methodologies. This transition transformed my approach into a process-based understanding, requiring a mathematically grounded re-learning of oceanography.”

What are your primary research interests?

“I study how the small-scale non-geostrophic processes influence the dynamics of the surface layer of the ocean. In particular, I focus on how submesoscale processes, at a horizontal scale of roughly 1 to 10 km interact with the boundary layer turbulence. To do so, I employ a high-resolution global model complemented by observational datasets. The region of focus of my study is the Walvis Ridge region of South Atlantic.”

What do you believe are the most pressing challenges in climate science today, and how does your work contribute to addressing them?

“Current climate models do not yet resolve meso- and submesoscale  processes, spanning horizontal scales above and below 10 km, and many effects of these small-scale processes on ocean mixing therefore remain parameterized. Through my PhD, I hope to enhance understanding of the multiscale interactions between submesoscale motions and turbulence, which can inform the development of improved parameterizations for future models.”

How does collaboration across different institutions and disciplines enhance the impact of your research?

“I have observed that it helps me to identify the gaps in my understanding or my methodology when communicating my work to scientists and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and to clarify and refine my approach. Besides, interdisciplinary discussions can be very useful to gain a fresh perspective on the research question itself.”

What advice would you give to students or young researchers interested in pursuing a career in climate sciences?

“I remember reading somewhere that an oceanographer must act like a detective, inferring processes and causes from sparse, indirect, and incomplete observations. I believe that developing a sense of intuition about which methods and approaches to use for different types of data, aiming to achieve the best outcomes while avoiding preconceptions, is one of the many invaluable skills a climate researcher can have.”

What is the best way to connect with you for potential research collaboration?

“I would be glad to be contacted for potential research collaborations in future. You can reach out to me through my email: jabeen.safeer[at]uni-hamburg.de.”