5 questions to… Manuel Bensi

Manuel Bensi. Photo: Christophe Le Gall

Who are you ?

I’m a 38-years-old marine scientist dealing with physical oceanography, and I’m passionate about the sea. I currently work at the OGS, Trieste as a researcher (in a temporary position). I’ve got my degree in oceanography at the University of Genova, my master of science degree in Brazil, and the PhD in marine science in Trieste in 2012.

Manuel Bensi at work. Photo: Christophe Le Gall
Manuel Bensi at work. Photo: Christophe Le Gall

Can you describe us your job ?

My job mainly focuses on studies about thermohaline circulations (circulation of water due to differences of temperature and/or salinity), and dense water formations in polar regions. I work with experimental oceanography, so it means that we use several instruments to measure physicals and biochemical parameters around the world ocean.

Why did you choose this job ?

I was always passionate about the sea. I spend my free time only at the sea, sailing, windsurfing, so it was natural to me to study ocean science. When I was 16 years old, I realized that I would like to become an oceanographer, even if at that time, I didn’t realize what an oceanographer is. It’s only after some years being involved in scientific research that I understood what an oceanographer is, and I’m lovin’it…

What will be your tasks during the cruise ?

I am the responsible of the DEFROST activities funded by the Italian polar research program. DEFROST is the acronym of “Deep Flow Regime Off SpiTsbergen”. This project was granted thanks to the Eurofleets2 cruise PREPARED in 2014. The AWI is a supporting partner of DEFROST. We are going to recover and redeploy 2 deep moorings (instruments placed during a long time close to the ocean floor) southwest off the Svalbard area. We are investigating the spatial and temporal variability of the deep ocean currents, and their thermohaline properties. These information, together with results from bio- and geo-chemical studies will (hopefully) provide a contribution to global climate studies.

What do you like (most) in your work ?

I hope to contribute to something beyond my own research field, and to provide a small piece of a bigger puzzle, which is the science related to ocean understanding

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