From Cape Town to Brazil: Diving into Ocean–Atmosphere Science with SOLAS

11 Jun 2026 | By Christiaan van Niekerk
11 Jun 2026 | By Christiaan van Niekerk

UCT-MARiS postgraduate researcher, Christiaan van Niekerk (PhD Student) from the Oceanography Department at the University of Cape Town (UCT) recently attended the Surface Ocean–Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) Summer School, held at Cepené, in Tamandaré, Brazil from 08 to 28 March 2026. The programme brought together 45 early-career scientists and several international experts to explore the interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, with a focus on global environmental challenges such as climate change, air pollution and ocean health. In addition to scientific research, the programme emphasised the importance of science communication and encouraged participants to consider how scientific knowledge can inform policy, governance and decision-making processes.

The summer school featured lectures, workshops, and collaborative group projects covering topics such as the sea surface microlayer, atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, climate interactions and marine ecosystems. Participants worked together to develop creative scientific projects and communication approaches, even in low-resource settings. It was a valuable experience to engage with scientists from different disciplines and to gain insight into international research collaborations.

Christiaan van Niekerk measuring sea surface microlayer (SML) fluorescence at night to compare daytime and nighttime activity.

One group project focused on the sea surface microlayer (SML), an important boundary layer, less than 1 mm thick, between the ocean and atmosphere. The project explored simple methods to sample and analyse the SML and highlighted its role in environmental processes such as gas exchange and pollutant transport. Studying the SML would be particularly useful for an atmospheric scientist who does not work with ocean sciences but would like to explore the ocean-atmosphere interactions.

The experience provided valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, international collaboration, and science communication. It also strengthened connections within the global SOLAS research community and contributed to ongoing efforts to better understand ocean–atmosphere interactions. Moving forward, insights gained through SOLAS can be applied to research and to foster new collaborations with scientists working across related disciplines. There is also the opportunity to participating in future SOLAS meetings and conferences, where learning from the community and contribute to ongoing research discussions will continue.

Group photo of participants at the SOLAS Summer School 2026, including several representatives from South Africa.

For early-career researchers, the SOLAS Summer School offers a truly unique experience. Beyond the excellent scientific programme, participants gain exposure to diverse perspectives, build international networks, and develop skills in science communication, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The SOLAS Summer School provides an excellent opportunity for students and researchers interested in ocean-atmosphere science to expand their knowledge, build international networks, and engage with a global scientific community. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consider participating in future editions of the programme.

 

Article written by Christiaan van Niekerk, PhD Student, Oceanography Department - UCT.
For more information, contact vnkchr018@myuct.ac.za or view the www.solas-int.org website to see more details.