Eco-Adaptation in the Southern Pacific Ocean and the Role of Regional Ocean Modelling

While numerous studies address the impact of climate change on sea levels and broad scale circulation processes across the Pacific region, little research has been undertaken to capture changes in regional circulation patterns at the island and sub-island scale. For example, little is known about how bifurcation of the Southern Equatorial Current around the Vanuatu archipelago varies over different timescales, and how the North and South Vanuatu Jets are likely to behave in the future? While mesoscale eddies and Rossby waves are known to be important mechanisms driving variations in local currents, sea level, and vertical structure of the water column, few studies investigate their influence on circulation around Pacific islands and archipelagos. Such features can have a strong influence on cyclone generation and nutrient supply, thus changes in their behaviour are likely to impact Pacific Island communities, who are exposed to cyclones, and who have a strong dependence upon fisheries.