As a biological oceanographer, my principal interest has been in the role marine microalgae play in biogeochemical cycling, with particular emphasis on the scales of temporal and spatial variability of microalgal biomass and productivity. This knowledge is essential to understanding how anthropogenic and atmospheric forcing controls the biogenic flux of CO2 into the oceans, and ultimately, to the sediments.

My research is highly interdisciplinary and incorporates three fundamental approaches, (1) satellite remote sensing, (2) ecophysiological modeling, and (3) laboratory and field studies. By combining these techniques, it is possible to address many complex aspects of ocean biogeochemistry at spatial and temporal scales that would not be possible using a single approach.

Further details about our research...

- Geophysics 130: Biological Oceanography (same as ESys 130):

Required for Earth Systems students in the Oceans track. Interdisciplinary look at how oceanic environments control the form and function of marine life. Topics: distributions of planktonic production and abundance, nutrient cycling, the role of ocean biology in the climate system, expected effects of climate changes on ocean biology. A few local field trips will be made on weekends. Prerequisites: Biology core and GES 8 (The Oceans) or equivalent

4 units, Spr (Arrigo)

- Geophysics 141/241: Remote Sensing of the Oceans (same as ESys 141/241):

Required for Earth Systems students in the Oceans track. How to observe and interpret physical and biological changes in the oceans using remote technologies such as satellites and instrumented moorings. Topics: principals of satellite remote sensing, classes of satellite sensors and mooring platforms, converting radiometric data into biological quantities, sensor calibration and validation, interpreting large-scale oceanographic features. Prerequisites: Geophysics 130, ESys 130, or Hopkins 163H/263H

4 units, Win (Arrigo) alternate years, not given 2004-05

Other courses taught can be found on this page.

Arrigo, K. R., et al. 2012. Massive phytoplankton blooms under Arctic sea ice. Science, 336:1408. doi:10.1126/science.1215065 [link to free pdf]

Arrigo, K. R., G. L. van Dijken and S. Bushinsky. 2008. Primary Production in the Southern Ocean, 1997-2006. Journal of Geophysical Research. Vol. 113. C08004. doi:10.1029/2007JC004551

Arrigo, K. R. 2007. Carbon cycle: Marine manipulations. Nature, 450: 491-492. doi:10.1038/450491a

Arrigo, K. R. 2005. Marine micro-organisms and global nutrient cycles. Nature, 437(7057): 349. doi:10.1038/nature04159.

Beman, M., K. R. Arrigo, and P. A. Matson. 2005. Agricultural runoff fuels large phytoplankton blooms in vulnerable areas of the ocean. Nature, 434, 211-214.

DiTullio, G.R., J. Grebmeier, K.R. Arrigo, M. Lizotte, D.H. Robinson, A. Leventer, J. Barry, M. VanWoert, and R.B. Dunbar. 2000. Rapid and early export of Phaeocystis antarctica blooms in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Nature, 404, pp. 595-598.

Arrigo, K. R., D. H. Robinson, D. L. Worthen, R. B. Dunbar, G. R. DiTullio, M. VanWoert, and M. P. Lizotte. 1999. Phytoplankton community structure and the drawdown of nutrients and CO2 in the Southern Ocean. Science 283: 365-367.

Arrigo, K. R., M. P. Lizotte, D. L. Worthen, P. Dixon, and G. Dieckmann. 1997. Primary production in Antarctic sea ice. Science 276: 394-397. U.S. JGOFS Contribution Number 461.

Arrigo, K.R. and C.R. McClain. 1994. Spring phytoplankton production in the western Ross Sea. Science 265: 261-263.

Sullivan, C.W., K.R. Arrigo, C.R. McClain, J.C. Comiso, J. Firestone. 1993. Distributions of phytoplankton blooms in the Southern Ocean. Science 262: 1832-1837.

Other publications

• Ocean Biogeochemistry Lab
• Our research
• My Curriculum Vitae

Last Updated: June 22, 2012