Rolf Koppelmann

Dr. Rolf Koppelmann is a dedicated marine researcher at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, within the Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences. His work focuses on experimental marine zooplankton ecology, with particular expertise in high and deep sea environments. Based in the Biological Oceanography division, he maintains an active research profile with numerous publications spanning several decades.

His educational background includes technical training as an Electromechanic Technician (1975-1978) and Radar Technician (1979-1985), followed by formal biological studies at the University of Oldenburg (Vordiplom Biologie, 1985-1987) and University of Hamburg (Diplom Biologie, 1987-1990; Dr. rer. nat., 1991-1994). This unique combination of technical and biological training has likely informed his experimental approach to marine ecology.

Koppelmann's research interests span open ocean and deep-sea ecology, zooplankton ecology, distribution structures, biogeochemical cycles, trophic interactions, and underwater technology. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding biological processes in deep marine environments, particularly examining how zooplankton communities function within complex oceanographic systems. His research often bridges biological observations with physical and chemical oceanographic parameters.

Analysis of his recent publications (2009-2018) reveals a strong emphasis on upwelling systems, particularly the Benguela Current off Namibia, as well as studies in the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas. His work frequently employs stable isotope analysis to understand trophic relationships and has increasingly focused on carbon cycling and biogeochemical processes within marine ecosystems. The publications demonstrate a progression from descriptive ecological studies to more complex investigations of ecosystem functioning and responses to environmental change.

Dr. Koppelmann has served as a reviewer for numerous prestigious journals including Deep-Sea Research, Journal of Plankton Research, Marine Biology, and Limnology and Oceanography. His research has been supported by major funding agencies worldwide including the European Commission, National Science Foundation (USA), Natural Environmental Research Council (UK), and various national research councils.

His collaborative work spans international boundaries, with research conducted in the Arabian Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, Benguela Current system, and North Atlantic. He has been involved in major projects including GENUS (Geochemistry and Ecology of the Namibian Upwelling System), EMZOO (Energy and mass fluxes of the mesozooplankton community in the Levantine Basin), and ZOOSTOFF (Zooplankton structures and mass fluxes in the deep Levantine Sea).