The physical oceanography group at MLML, under the direction of Erika McPhee-Shaw, focuses primarily on observational studies of dynamics of the coastal ocean and continental margin. Research specialties of the faculty include interaction between internal tides and topography, sediment and nutrient transport in the coastal environment (Dr. McPhee-Shaw), application of remote forcing for examining fronts and other coastal features, with particular focus on the Monterey Bay region, novel analysis techniques for investigating climate change in long time series (Dr. Breaker), and buoy and shipboard optical measurements for calibrating optical satellite techniques for assessing surface temperature, Chlorophyll, and other parameters (Dr. Broenkow, retired, but this research is ongoing).