Xinfeng Liang

Xinfeng Liang is an Associate Professor and Graduate Director in the School of Marine Science & Policy at the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean & Environment. His research focuses on the critical role of the ocean in climate systems, particularly examining deep ocean processes and their connection to climate change. He maintains an active research laboratory in Cannon Lab in Lewes, DE, where he leads investigations into ocean dynamics and climate interactions.

• Ph.D., Physical Oceanography, Columbia University, 2012
• M.Ph., Physical Oceanography, Columbia University, 2011
• M.A., Physical Oceanography, Columbia University, 2009
• B.S., Marine Sciences, Ocean University of China, 2003

Dr. Liang's research centers on understanding vertical transport of ocean properties, the influence of mesoscale eddies on deep ocean processes, ocean mixing dynamics, and the ocean's role in the climate system. His work particularly examines how upper and deep ocean layers exchange heat and salt, challenging conventional views of the ocean as a passive reservoir. His innovative approaches combine observational data with dynamical models to reveal complex ocean behaviors that significantly impact climate interpretation.

Analysis of Dr. Liang's publication record reveals a strong focus on deep ocean climate science, with particular emphasis on ocean heat content changes, salinity variations, and vertical transport mechanisms. His research demonstrates how limitations in current observing systems affect our understanding of ocean changes, especially in the deep ocean below 2000 meters. Recent work has uncovered hidden upwelling systems along western boundary currents and examined how Argo float data quality issues impact salinity measurements.

• Sloan Research Fellowship in Ocean Sciences
• NASA New Investigator Award in Earth Science

Dr. Liang actively mentors graduate students, with several former advisees now pursuing postdoctoral positions at prestigious institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. His research group, described as 'climate-minded' oceanographers, investigates how the ocean both responds to and affects climate change. Current projects examine physical changes in the global ocean, exchange between upper and deep layers, and the role of mesoscale eddies in connecting different ocean regions. The group maintains strong connections with major oceanographic institutions and contributes significantly to improving global ocean observing systems.