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Doctor Natasha Sarah Lucas is a researcher in the field of Physical Oceanography with overarching research goals of understanding how small-scale process ((O)0.1 m 鈥� 10 km) in the ocean surface boundary layer affect the distribution of heat, salt and biological tracers and their ventilation between the atmosphere and the deeper ocean, with subsequent climatic impacts. She aims to further our knowledge of the mechanisms (Surface, Langmuir and Ekman buoyancy forcing, convective buoyancy forcing and submesoscale instabilities) that control the evolution of the mixed layer and how interactions within these layers, particularly those of icebergs, can affect the salt, heat and biological distribution within the water column.
Her recent research interests focus on ocean mixing and the impact of small-scale processes on the Agulhas leakage current in the Cape Basin, off the west coast of South Africa; a hotspot of eddy kinetic energy, feeding warm and salty Indian Ocean water into the Atlantic and subsequently affecting the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Her previous role focused on the stability of the cryosphere around Antarctica and its subsequent impact on the climate, with a particular focus on submesoscale dynamics and the interaction of icebergs with upper ocean layers. Before this, she developed techniques to aid design and operation of tidal energy convertors by characterisation of key aspects of turbulence, i.e. the scales, structure/coherency and stress, which are most likely to compromise TEC structural integrity. She was also a key researcher on the OSMOSIS project, focusing on the role of Langmuir circulation and inertial shear spikes in driving mixing within and below the surface mixed layer of the ocean.
Her work utilises autonomous profiling platforms along with ship borne measurements and moorings. She has expertise in novel applications of instrumentation, with the development of Structure Functions using moored ADCPs and turbulence analysis using gliders. She works with full data timescales from acquisition to processing and analysis. With research interests pivoting around observational oceanography; ocean turbulence and mixing, ocean dynamics and fluxes.
Natasha currently sits on the SCOR working group Analysing Ocean Turbulence Observations to Quantify Mixing (ATOMIX). Through her career she has received awards from the Antarctic Science Bursary 2023, UKRI Instant Recognition Award 2023, BAS GEM Award 2021, Rank Prize Funds Laser Ablation award 2004 and the European Space Agency/Internation Astronautical Federation World Space Congress Award 2002. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and was the UK representative on the European strategy program called OPERA2015 (Optics and Photonics in the European Research Area).
Natasha has worked in Oceanography since 2012, but her previous work spans from laser ablation to teaching methodologies. She has an active role in shaping young minds and outreach, including providing oceanographic roadshows at WOMAD and BLUEDOT festivals, the design and implementation of undergraduate curricula for the Institute of Physics, the teaching of physics, maths, ICT and outdoor education both and , science week demonstrations in schools, , , participation in the and volunteering at Hulme.
Gwybodaeth Cyswllt
Dr Natasha Lucas
Rm 325 Westbury Mount, / Ystafell 325 Westbury Mount,
School of Ocean Sciences,听/ Ysgol Gwyddorau Eigion,
91精品黑料吃瓜,听/ Prifysgol Bangor,
Askew St, / Ffordd Y Coleg
Menai Bridge,听/ Porthaethwy,
Anglesey,听/ Ynys Mon,
LL59 5AB, UK听
Diddordebau Ymchwil
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Physical Oceanographer
Company Name 91精品黑料吃瓜 & Nortek
Dates Employed Apr 2017 鈥� Present
Location School of Ocean Sciences - Menai Bridge
The aim of this project is to develop techniques to aid the design and operation of Tidal Energy Convertors (TECs) by characterisation of key aspects of turbulence, i.e. the scales, structure/coherency and stress, which are most likely to compromise the structural integrity of the tidal energy infrastructure.
Oceanographers are able to exploit local assumptions of stationary and homogeneity to measure the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy (蔚) by applying the recently developed structure function approach to velocity profiles measured using off-the-shelf acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) (Lucas et al., 2014; Wiles et al., 2006). These flows have primarily been applicable to quantification of fluxes across critical interfaces within marine environments, and thus of considerably lower Reynolds numbers than those found in the tidal race environments attractive to TEC.
Recent measurements demonstrate that whilst 蔚 is strongly linked to tidal current speed, in a confined channel it is highly variable, fluctuating by over an order of magnitude for a given flow speed. Importantly, the widely used acoustic techniques reported above fail to resolve this variability in 蔚, which results from the formation of coherent structures.
The occurrence of coherent structures is linked the formation of vortices downstream of rough seabed topography leading to the ejection of turbulence from the turbulent boundary layer close to the sea bed. The surface manifestation of sub-surface coherent structures, 鈥渂oils鈥�, are commonly observed in regions of strong flow such as rivers and strong tidal flows, the intensity of which is observed to increase with the roughness of the sea bed. This complication puts these processes beyond simple parameterisation, and hence inclusion in current standard tidal models, and so implying the need for site specific assessment of the potential impact of coherent structures on in-stream tidal energy generation infrastructure.
Physical Oceanographer
Company Name Norsk Polarinstitutt
Dates Employed Apr 2016 鈥� Dec 2016
Location Tromso / Bangor
NORWEGIAN YOUNG SEA ICE PROJECT (N-ICE2015)
The study of under ice turbulence and its role in diapycnal mixing modulating the heat budget of the Arctic Ocean. Using novel instrumentation and techniques we are able to study turbulence directly under ice floes. https://eos.org/project-updates/arctic-research-on-thin-ice-consequences-of-arctic-sea-ice-loss
Physical Oceanographer
Company Name School of Ocean Sciences, 91精品黑料吃瓜
Dates Employed Apr 2012 鈥� Jan 2016
Location Menai Bridge
Natasha works as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant for the OSMOSIS[i] project; working in partnership with other institutions to develop new parameterisations of turbulent processes that drive the deepening and shoaling of the ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL).
Natasha鈥檚 work concentrates on analysis of mooring-, ship- and glider-based measurements of small and fine-scale processes to investigate the dynamics of turbulent mixing in the NE Atlantic Ocean, focusing on how the OSBL fluxes heat and momentum, including the processes of Langmuir circulation and inertial shear spikes, and how these processes drive mixing within and below the OSBL governing surface temperatures and mixed layer depths.
Her work also includes analysis of atmospheric, hydrographic, velocity and microstructure measurements in the small-fetch environment of the Clyde Sea. Concurrent to this project she has been involved in a parallel turbulence project at Lake Windermere, assisted in the supervision of an MSc and PhD student, taught for the MSc in Physical Oceanography and undertaken participation in teaching cruises on the RV Prince Madog. She has written and collaborated to produce papers on the quantitative results of her work and presented results both nationally and internationally.
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[i] Ocean Surface Mixing and Submesoscale Interaction Study
Cyhoeddiadau
2025
- E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffu
Lucas, N. S., Brearley, J. A., Hendry, K. R., Spira, T., Braakmann-Folgmann, A., Abrahamsen, E. P., Meredith, M. P. & Tarling, G. A., 4 Ebr 2025, (E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffu) Yn: Nature Geoscience.
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2024
- Cyhoeddwyd
Tarling, G. A., Thorpe, S. E., Henley, S. F., Burson, A., Liszka, C. M., Manno, C., Lucas, N. S., Ward, F., Hendry, K. R., Woodward, E. M. S., Wootton, M. & Abrahamsen, E. P., 29 Meh 2024, Yn: Progress in Oceanography. 226, 103297.
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid - Cyhoeddwyd
Brearley, J. A., Girton, J. B., Lucas, N. S., Thurnherr, A. M., Abrahamsen, E. P., Meredith, M. P., Meijers, A. J. S. & Venables, H. J., Medi 2024, Yn: Journal of Geophysical Research : Oceans. 129, 9, e2023JC020610.
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2023
- Cyhoeddwyd
Sall茅e, J.-B., Abrahamsen, E. P., Allaigre, C., Auger, M., Ayres, H., Badhe, R., J., B., Brearley, J. A., de Lavergne, C., ten Doeschate, A. M. M., Droste, E. S., du Plessis, M. D., Ferreira, D., Giddy, I. S., G眉lk, B., Gruber, N., Hague, M., Hoppema, M., Josey, S. A. & Kanzow, T. & 33 eraill, , 26 Meh 2023, Yn: Philosophical Transactions A. 381, 2249
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2022
- Cyhoeddwyd
Tarling, G. A., Abrahamsen, E. P., Lucas, N., Brearley, J. A., Fleming, A., Shepherd, A., Murphy, E., Meredith, M., Ratcliffe, N., Braakmann-Folgmann, A. & Gerrish, L., 2022, The Marine Biologist, 22, t. 25-26 2 t.
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol 鈥� Erthygl - Cyhoeddwyd
Lucas, N., Austin, M., Rippeth, T., Powell, B. & Wakonigg, P., Gorff 2022, Yn: Renewable Energy. 194, t. 259-272
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2019
- Cyhoeddwyd
Lucas, N., Grant, A. L. M., Rippeth, T., Polton, J., Palmer, M., Brannigan, L. & Belcher, S. E., Tach 2019, Yn: Journal of Physical Oceanography. 49, 11, t. 2961-2978
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid - Cyhoeddwyd
Buckingham, C. E., Lucas, N., Belcher, S. E., Rippeth, T., Grant, A. L. M., Le Sommer, J., Ajayi , A. O. & Naveria Garabato, A. C., Rhag 2019, Yn: Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems. 11, 12, t. 4066-4094
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2018
- Cyhoeddwyd
Evans, D. G., Lucas, N., Hemsley, V., Frajka-Williams, E., Naveria Garabato, A. C., Martin, A., Painter, S. C., Inall, M. E. & Palmer, M. R., 16 Hyd 2018, Yn: Geophysical Research Letters. 45, 19, t. 10560-10569 45.
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2015
- Cyhoeddwyd
Rumyantseva, A., Lucas, N., Rippeth, T. P., Henson, S., Martin, A. & Painter, S., 16 Gorff 2015, Yn: Global Biogeochemical Cycles. 28, 8, t. 1179鈥�1189
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
2014
- Cyhoeddwyd
Simpson, J. H., Lucas, N., Powell, B. & Maberly, S. C., 31 Rhag 2014, Yn: Limnology and Oceanography. 60, 1, t. 29-41
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid - Cyhoeddwyd
Lucas, N. S., Simpson, J. H. & Rippeth, T. P., 20 Maw 2014, Yn: Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology. 31, 8, t. 1826-1837
Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn 鈥� Erthygl 鈥� adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
Gweithgareddau
2025
Meeting to discuss recent applications of Nortek instruments within SOS, what Nortek have on the horizon and how we can continue to work together moving forwards.
7 Maw 2025
Gweithgaredd: Mathau o Fusnes a Chymuned - Croesawu ymwelydd allanol, anacademaidd (Cyfrannwr)
Gwybodaeth Arall
Education
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The University of Salford
Degree Name Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (FHEA)
Field Of Study Education
Dates attended or expected graduation 2011 鈥� 2012
听
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The University of Salford
Degree Name PhD
Field Of Study Laser ablation, spectroscopy, space technology
Dates attended or expected graduation 2001 鈥� 2007
Activities and Societies: SUMC, SUCK
PhD title:
The application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to the analysis of geological samples in simulated extra-terrestrial atmospheric environments
听
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The University of Salford
Degree Name BSc
Field Of Study Physics with Space Technology
Grade 1st Class Honours
Dates attended or expected graduation 1997 鈥� 2001
Activities and Societies: SUMC, SUCK, Student Rep.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer
Company Name DASH, AVIT, among others..
Dates volunteered 1996 鈥� 2012
Volunteer duration 16 yrs
Volunteer experience:
February 2006 鈥� April 2012, Adventure Volunteers Initiative Team (AVIT).
Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer for Deans Open Award Centre, including IT training and setup of a networked PC Suite.
February 2002 鈥� December 2007, Salford University Canoe and Kayak (SUCK)
Level 4 Inland Kayak Coach, providing free white water coaching for the club both in the UK and Europe. Trip Secretary for the years 2002 - 2005.
April 1996 鈥� June 1997, Drugs Advice and Support in Hulme (DASH)
Needle Exchange worker & supervisor of D.A.S.H. at the women鈥檚 evening.
March 1996 鈥� June 1996, The Princes Trust Volunteers
Team building, Community project, Individual voluntary placement, Group project
Awards and Accreditations:
Full University Colours
8 Hour Aquatic First Aid
HeartStart Trainer
MIDAS Certificate
Duke of Edinburgh Platinum Award
BCU Inland Kayak Coach, Level 4
GNAS, Archery Leader
SPA Trained
Introduction to Counselling
Acupuncture (short course)
Blaenorol
Learning Technologies and Digital Skills Lecturer
Company Name University of Salford
Dates Employed Oct 2009 鈥� Jun 2012
I worked in the Academic Support Unit at The University of Salford, working with all staff and students to teach and implement Learning Technologies and Digital Skills incorporating; ICT, Web 2.0, web design, programming, learning technologies, information literacy and business systems.
Curriculum Design
Company Name Institute of Physics, Univeristy of Salford, HEFCE
Dates Employed Nov 2008 鈥� Oct 2009
I was project lead to design and develop a Repackaged Degree for the University of Salford, as part of the Stimulating Physics Project funded by the Institute of Physics and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Within this programme I developed problem based learning (PBL) modules to be integrated with industrial seminars, with labs linked to lectures integrating social media and Web 2.0 technologies.
Liaison Officer
Company Name THE UK CONSORTIUM OF PHOTONICS AND OPTICS, (UKCPO)
Dates Employed Jun 2005 鈥� Apr 2008
Freelance part time work:
PHP & MySQL Database Design and Management and Website Administrator
Freelance IT Trainer
Company Name Distrupol, Astra Zeneca, Nestl茅 UK and Aon Consulting. Among others..
Dates Employed 1996 鈥� 2008
FREELANCE IT TRAINER: Delivering bespoke training, floor-walking, standard courses and manual writing on various external contracts such as; Distrupol, Astra Zeneca, Nestl茅 UK and Aon Consulting
Research and Laser/LIBS specialist
Company Name Applied Photonics Ltd
Dates Employed Jun 2007 鈥� Nov 2007
Scientist working to develop a stand-off rugidised LIBS system with a range capability in excess of 100m for remote, non-contact material detection & characterisation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials for security and protection, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
Outdoor Education
Company Name FREELANCE OUTDOOR EDUCATION COACH
Dates Employed Jul 2006 鈥� Apr 2007
Freelance, part time:
Kayaking, Climbing, Problem Solving and Archery
Presenter
Company Name NATEC ROCKET SCIENCE ROADSHOW
Dates Employed Apr 2004 鈥� Feb 2005
Freelance, part time:
Presenter of Rocket Science Roadshows to many schools across the UK. In collaboration with Starchaser Industries Ltd and The University of Salford.
听
Researcher
Company Name BAE Systems
Dates Employed 1999 鈥� 2000
RESEARCH SCIENTIST; BAE Systems, ATC Sowerby. 1 year contract
Scientist working in the Functional Materials group on a project based on the microwave behaviour of electromagnetic materials.