Roger Francois
Professor and CRC in Marine Geochemistry for Global Climate Change
University of British Columbia

My research focuses on the biogeochemistry of selected elements in the ocean water that track key oceanic processes of importance to climate. The distribution of these and other chemical elements provides valuable information on the chemistry, biology, and circulation of the modern ocean. In addition, the incorporation of these elements in marine sediments and other natural archives leaves a record of variability that provides context for distinguishing between human-induced climate trends and recurring natural cycles.

This goal of this research is to lead to a better understanding of the ocean’s role in climate change, which will in turn inform responses to current and future challenges in global climate change.

My current research interests center primarily on:

• Application of geochemistry to problems of paleoceanography with particular emphasis on late Quaternary paleoceanography, radiochemical approaches, carbon and nitrogen isotope geochemistry, and trace element proxies (redox-sensitive elements; paleoproductivity tracers)
• Water column radiochemistry to constrain abyssal circulation and scavenging

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