Christopher Wolfe

Christopher Wolfe is an Associate Professor of Marine Science at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at Stony Brook University. He conducts research on physical oceanography, focusing on large-scale ocean circulation, overturning dynamics, and mesoscale eddy interactions.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography (2006), Oregon State University
  • M.S. in Physics (2000), Indiana University
  • B.S. in Physics and Mathematics (1999), Evergreen State College

His research integrates theoretical frameworks, idealized numerical models, and realistic ocean circulation simulations to study the ocean’s role in climate systems. Key areas include overturning circulation stability, buoyancy-driven currents, and predictability of geophysical flows.

Recent publications highlight his work on interannual variability in the Indian Ocean, salt feedback mechanisms, and multi-scale instabilities. He advises Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers in the Pitt Wolfe group, which has produced alumni now working at institutions such as NOAA and the Ocean University of China.

Scientific Affiliations:

• Active in computational oceanography and nonlinear dynamics
• Collaborator with P. Cessi, R. M. Samelson, and others