Libe Washburn

Biography

Libe Washburn is an oceanographer and professor working at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the Marine Science Institute and the Department of Geography. His research focuses on how ocean circulation processes affect marine communities in near-shore ecosystems. His research projects include studies of: (1) coastal ocean dynamics using surface current patterns mapped by radio waves; (2) circulation effects on phytoplankton blooms; 3) coastal current patterns and dispersal and settlement of marine organisms; and (5) exchange of water-borne materials between kelp forests and the offshore ocean. Washburn’s research is based on observations from a variety of approaches including high frequency (HF) radio systems for mapping surface currents, moorings, ocean gliders, and other autonomous vehicles. He active in coastal ocean observing and is the chair of the Board of Governors of the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System.

Research

Libe Washburn is an oceanographer and professor at UCSB who studies the coastal ocean and related marine ecosystems.