A physical oceanographer who has pioneered a new way of seeing the ocean.
David has worked as a physical oceanographer at NASA since October 1988. He is currently acting as Branch Head for the Ocean Sciences Branch at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. David researches the ability of satellite data to increase scientists' understanding of the dynamics and processes that control the ocean's circulation. He combines data from different satellites and types of satellites to explain how ocean waters circulate and the variations that can occur in circulation patterns. By combining information from more than one satellite or satellite sensor, he can see patterns that are not visible from a single source. One of the most fascinating aspects of David's research is the way he combines his expertise in more traditional oceanographic research with more innovative data analysis techniques. He is on the forefront of a new scientific method for studying the ocean.
David worked as a physical oceanographer for the U.S. Navy from 1978 till 1988. He then managed NASA's Physical Oceanography Program for nearly four years, and served as head of the User Working Group for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's ocean data distribution facility. He is currently a member of the science team for the NASA TOPEX/POSEIDON and JASON-1 satellite missions. These satellites collect data about ocean height, temperature, and circulation patters. David has also served as a member of NASA's Space Architect Committee, which devises the agency's long range plans for developments in space. He has over 25 peer-reviewed publications in the professional literature. David has appeared in hundreds of television interviews on all major networks discussing various topics relevant to NASA's earth science program. He has also served as the technical consultant for an ocean exhibit at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History and a children's book on El Niño.
David attained a BS and MS degree in meteorology from the Florida State University, and a PhD in meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. |
NASA scientist David Adamec.
David Adamec tells how satellite data help us understand Los Niños. Click to view animation. |
