Glenn Carter
Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?
I am an Associate Professor of Oceanography in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. I look at how the ocean mixes, which is a key process in the global ocean circulation as well as more local processes such as nutrient and pollutant distribution. Most of my work has been focused on the mechanisms driving this mixing, in particular internal tides and internal waves. The ocean is continuously stratified (density increasing with depth, temperature increasing with depth), which means that waves not only occur on the surface but can propagate in 3-dimensions within the ocean interior. More recently I have interested in the physical oceanography of the deepest parts of the ocean – the deep ocean trenches. In my research I use a combination of at-sea observations and numerical simulations.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
Growing up in New Zealand you are never far from the ocean or nature. After college I got a job initially studying rivers, but I also got to do some work on lakes and the coastal ocean. When the scientists I worked with encouraged me to do a PhD, I decided to do it in oceanography as it is largely the same physics but with the additional complication that the Earth’s rotation plays an important role.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
Lots of people have encouraged me on journal to this career. Starting with my parents and grandparents, through the scientists at my first job out of college, to professors at the University of Washington where I did my graduate education. My graduate advisor, Dr. Mike Gregg, played a huge role in growth as a scientist.
What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?
The deep ocean trenches (hadal zone) are up to 11 kilometers deep and 5 kilometers deeper than the surrounding abyssal plain. They contain a range of organisms which need oxygen to survive. How these trenches are ventilated (new oxygen rich water replaces the water in the bottom of the trench) is an unknown and fascinating question.
How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?
When we were developing the Hadal Water Column Profiler (the instrument we are using on this expedition), one of our team mentioned the project to Daniel Wagner (OET chief scientist). As the purpose of our profiler, make measurements in one of the least explored parts of the ocean, aligns with the mission of OET we were invited on a E/V Nautilus shakedown cruise in 2023.
What other jobs led you to your current career?
As mentioned above, out of college I had a job doing environmental research on rivers and lakes.
What are your degrees and certifications?
BSc Applied Mathematics, University of Auckland (New Zealand)
BE Engineering science, University of Auckland (New Zealand)
MS Oceanography, University of Washington (Seattle)
PhD Oceanography, University of Washington (Seattle)
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy outrigger canoe paddling and have participated in races on various Hawaiian Islands as well as between the Islands of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu. I also enjoy cycling, travel and photography.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
A good grounding in math and physics is important for physical oceanography.
