John Middelton
Sub Program Leader–Oceanography
Areas of expertise:
Physical Oceanography, ocean dynamics, ocean processes, numerical modelling and prediction, the physical processes of Australia’s southern Shelves
Countries of work experience:
Australia, Canada
Experience and qualifications:
Dr Middleton has an outstanding record in research of ocean dynamics and coastal ocean modelling. He has developed a new theory for the circulation of large sea straits (Bass Strait). Through numerical model development and analyses of data, he has also made major advances in understanding the circulation along Australia’s continental southern shelves and the upwelling system off South Australia. Highlights include advances in understanding the fundamental processes of upwelling, the identification of the Flinders Current as a small sister to the world’s great western boundary currents, and the determination that El Nino signals have led to more effective upwelling off S.A.
The quality of Dr Middleton’s work has been recognised through the awarding of $1,000,000 in research grants since 1987 (ARC & FRDC). He has taken a lead role in experimental and theoretical projects involving collaboration with colleagues from UNSW, ADFA, CSIRO, VIMS, Chile, Russia and Canada. He is the author of more than 50 papers and reports, most of which have appeared in premier oceanographic journals.
In the course of his research, and in pursuing the South Australian Regional Ocean Model (SAROM), initiative, he has built extensive networks and collaborative agreements amongst international and national research groups and agencies (eg., BoM, CSIRO, Southhampton Oceanography Centre, US Naval Postgraduate School).
Service:
- Associate Editor of Progress in Oceanography (2003––)
- Proposal Reviews undertaken for ARC, NERC, NSERC, RV Franklin and Southern Surveyor.
- AusIOOS WG member 2004–2006
- IMOS WG member, 2006 –
- IAPSO Executive member, 2003 –
- Treasurer and Scientific Program Committee for “Dynamic Planet” a Joint Assembly of IAPSO, IABO and IAG (Cairns 2005).
Professional appointments:
2006–: Principal Research Scientist, SARDI.
1991–2005: Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics, UNSW.
Selected recent publications:
Middleton J.F., and C. Garrett, 1986: A kinematical analysis of polarised eddy fields using drifter data. J. Geophys. Res., 91, 5094–5102.
Middleton J.F., and K.R. Thompson, 1986: Return periods of extreme sea level from short records., J. Geophys. Res., 91, 11707–11716.
Middleton J.F., 1987: Energetics of linear geostrophic adjustment. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 17, 735–740.
Middleton J.F., 1988: Long shelf waves generated by a coastal flux. J. Geophys. Res., 93, 10724–10730.
Middleton, J. F. and M. Cirano, 2002: A Boundary Current along Australia's Southern Shelves: the Flinders Current. J. Geophys. Res. 107(C9), doi:10.1029
Middleton, J.F. and G. Platov 2003: The Mean Summertime Circulation along Australia’s Southern Shelves: a numerical study, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 33(3), 2270–2287.
Contact:
Dr John Middleton
SARDI Aquatic Sciences,
Tel: 08 8207 5449
Fax: 08 8207 5481
M: 040 222 6490
E–mail: Middleton.John@saugov.sa.gov.au