Meet Phil Sutton

Meet Phil Sutton

What is your job title?

Physical Oceanographer

What do you study and why is it important?

The physics of the ocean. It is important because the physical environment of the ocean sets the conditions that the biology has to live in. It is also important in climate: the ocean is 50% of the climate system.

What will you be doing on the Rumble III voyage?

Deploying a mooring to acoustically measure currents on the crest of the seamount for the duration of the voyage. Running the CTD (Conductivity/temperature/depth) package- measuring the ocean conditions and collecting water for other studies.

Where were you educated?

• University of Auckland
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography (San Diego)

How did you become interested in the ocean?

Through sailing and through an interest in physics.

Do you get seasick?

Only a little bit. The only real cure is sitting under a tree!

What do you enjoy about your work?

The variety. Following work all the way through from making measurements, to interpreting the data, to working out what is going on and to writing up a ‘story’ explaining what you have found.

What are some of the challenges that you face?

Resources. Time and money. The variety of work means that you are always having to learn about new techniques and how to use new and different equipment.

How do you spend your spare time?

House. Dog. And a car hobby that is almost out of control.