Markus Schartau

Markus Schartau is a Researcher in the Biogeochemical Modelling Research Unit at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, where he has worked since 2013. His research focuses on marine biogeochemical modeling, plankton dynamics, and parameter optimization in ecosystem models. With over 69 publications spanning two decades, Schartau has established himself as a leading expert in marine biogeochemical modeling, particularly in the areas of model calibration, mesocosm experiment simulation, and plankton community dynamics.

His research interests encompass uncertainty and trustworthiness of biogeochemical model results, species composition and size frequency structures of plankton, methods of parameter optimization and model selection, simulations of mesocosm experiments, physiological and ecological variations of plankton, and temporal and spatial variations of organic substances in coastal ocean areas and estuaries. Schartau's work often bridges theoretical modeling with experimental observations to improve our understanding of marine biogeochemical processes.

The analysis of his recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a strong focus on marine biogeochemical modeling, with particular emphasis on plankton dynamics, carbon cycling, and the impacts of environmental change. His work spans multiple spatial scales from coastal systems to the global ocean and integrates approaches from data science, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem modeling. Key themes include model calibration techniques, mesocosm experiment analysis, marine particle dynamics, and the effects of ocean acidification on biogeochemical processes.

Schartau actively participates in major research projects including OceanNETs (EU project), BASS (funded by DFG), ICEBERG (EU project), and μARC (funded by BMBF), demonstrating his integration into the international marine science community. His collaborative approach is evident in his extensive co-authorship network across multiple institutions and countries.

His career trajectory shows progression from postdoctoral positions at Stony Brook University and the Alfred Wegener Institute to permanent research scientist roles at Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (now HEREON) and finally at GEOMAR. This path reflects his growing expertise and recognition in the field of marine biogeochemical modeling.