Valentin Bellemin-Laponnaz

Valentin Bellemin-Laponnaz’s research focuses on developing methods that exploit satellite observations to retrieve essential ocean variables, such as sea level and sea surface currents. A key part of his work involves the development of data assimilation techniques, combining satellite observations with ocean models to produce a more accurate and physically consistent representation of the ocean’s state, accounting for its complex dynamical properties.

He holds a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Grenoble-Alpes, where he developed a variational data assimilation method to predict internal tide signals from satellite observations. His work was closely linked to the SWOT satellite Science Team and contributed to key advances in interpreting the satellite’s measurements, notably enabling the resolution of incoherent internal tides.

At the Nansen Center, he is studying and characterizing coastal processes and internal waves. This work aims to advance our understanding of the different processes driving ocean circulation, and their importance for society, biodiversity, and climate.