Christopher Somes

Christopher Somes is a Research Scientist at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, where he works in the Biogeochemical Modeling Research Unit. With expertise in ocean biogeochemistry and Earth system modeling, he investigates how environmental changes such as pollution and climate affect ocean biology and chemistry. His research integrates isotope geochemistry with climate modeling to understand past, present, and future ocean conditions.

Dr. Somes earned his Ph.D. in 2013 from Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel with a dissertation on "Nitrogen Isotopes in the Global Ocean." He completed his Master of Science in Oceanography in 2010 and Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2006, both from Oregon State University.

Dr. Somes' research focuses on analyzing elemental isotope ratios to gain insights into marine biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. He uses global Earth system climate models to predict ocean responses to environmental changes and associated climate feedbacks. His work spans from modern ocean conditions to past climate change events recorded in ocean sediments, with particular emphasis on nutrient cycling, ocean deoxygenation, and the biological carbon pump.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrating paleoceanographic records with future climate projections. The research shows increasing sophistication in modeling nutrient limitations, particularly iron and nitrogen cycles, and their impacts on marine productivity. His work consistently connects historical ocean conditions with contemporary observations to improve future projections.

• ISOIRON (2023-2026): Isotopic constraints of the global marine iron cycle, ocean productivity, and deoxygenation (Principal Investigator)
• ISODEG (2021-2025): Isotopic constraints of declining marine nutrient reserves during the last deglaciation (Principal Investigator)
• RETAKE II (2024-2027): CO2 removal through alkalinity enhancement (Associate Member)

As Principal Investigator on multiple DFG-funded projects, Dr. Somes mentors students and collaborates with international research teams. His work spans from developing sophisticated ocean models to analyzing historical ecosystem changes using stable isotopes in marine organisms, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications to date.

Dr. Somes is part of GEOMAR's Water Column Biogeochemistry Group and co-leads the PAGES (Past Global Changes) working group on Past Ocean Oxygenation. His research integrates observational data, laboratory analysis, and computational modeling to address critical questions about ocean-climate interactions and their implications for future environmental conditions.