About

I am an ocean scientist studying air-sea interaction, upper-ocean dynamics, and ocean observing systems using in situ observations, satellite observations, and numerical models.

I serve as U.S. oceanographic lead for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission and as Principal Investigator for NASA S-MODE.

Research

• Air-sea fluxes of heat, freshwater, and momentum
• Upper-ocean dynamics and thermodynamics
• Submesoscale and tropical ocean processes
• Satellite oceanography and calibration/validation
• Ocean observing systems with buoys and uncrewed platforms

Current Roles

• Senior Scientist, WHOI Physical Oceanography Department
• Science Team Co-Lead and U.S. lead oceanographer, SWOT mission
• Principal Investigator, NASA S-MODE
• Co-Principal Investigator, WHOI Upper Ocean Processes Group

Programs

• SWOT Mission
• S-MODE
• WHOI Upper Ocean Processes Group
• UOP SAFARI Project
• Publication List

Selected Updates

• 2026: NASA Group Achievement Award, SWOT Cal/Val Field Campaign Team.
• 2024: NASA Group Achievement Award, S-MODE Team.
• 2025: S-MODE overview paper published in BAMS.

Contact

jfarrar@whoi.edu