Gustavo Goni

Staff page photo for Gustavo Goni of AOML.

Research Highlights

Research Interests

Analysis of the upper ocean dynamics and thermal structure using remote sensing (particularly satellite altimetry) and hydrographic observations.

Use of hydrographic and satellite observations to investigate the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.

Study of the link of the upper ocean on tropical cyclone intensification.

Gustavo Goni, Ph.D.

Oceanographer, Physical Oceanography Division

305.361.4339

4301 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149

Gustavo Goni is an oceanographer at NOAA/AOML. Dr. Goni is the Principal Investigator of the Hurricane Glider Project which works to implement and carry out sustained and targeted ocean observations from underwater gliders in the Caribbean Sea and tropical North Atlantic Ocean in support of hurricane studies and forecasts. Dr. Goni also manages the NOAA eXpendable BathyThermograph (XBT) Program, which is a component of an international effort to design, implement, and maintain a global network of XBT transects. Most recently, Dr. Goni is the Co-principal investigator for the Autonomous Measurements of Air-Sea Interaction from Saildrones for Improved Hurricane Intensity Prediction project.

Dr. Gustavo Goni is the Chairman of the WMO/IOC Ship Of Opportunity Program, whose main objective is to fulfill upper ocean observational requirements as established by GCOS and GOOS. One of Dr. Goni’s main areas of research is the investigation of the variability of boundary currents using combined hydrographic and satellite data analysis. At larger spatial scales, Dr. Goni is involved in assessing changes in the Meridional Overturning Circulation in the South Atlantic using satellite altimetry data and observations from the global ocean observing system, such as Argo floats, CTDs, XBTs, surface drifters, etc.

Current Work

The AOML XBT Network, Lead PI

NOAA Underwater Hurricane Glider Observations, Lead PI

Quarterly Assessments of Atlantic Meridional Heat Transports, Co-PI

Autonomous Measurements of Air-Sea Interaction from Saildrones for Improved Hurricane Intensity Prediction, Co-PI

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1991, Ph.D. Applied Marine Physics/Ocean Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

1986, M.S. Acoustics (esp. underwater acoustics), Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA

1982, B.S. Physical Oceanography/Ocean Engineering, Buenos Aires Institute of Technology, Caba, Argentina

  1. Chiodi, A.M., H. Hristova, G.R. Foltz, J.A. Zhang, C.W. Mordy, C.R. Edwards, C. Zhang, C. Meinig, D. Zhang, E. Mazza, E.D. Cokelet, E.F. Burger, F. Bringas, G. Goni, H.-S. Kim, S. Chen, J. Trinanes, K. Bailey, K.M. O’Brien, M. Morales-Caez, N. Lawrence-Slavas, S.S. Chen, and X. Chen. Surface ocean warming near the core of Hurricane Sam and its representation in forecast models. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10:1297974, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1297974 2024
    Ref. 4377
  2. Goes, M., S. Dong, G.R. Foltz, G. Goni, D.L. Volkov, and I. Wainer. Modulation of western South Atlantic marine heatwaves by meridional ocean heat transport. Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans, 129(3):e2023JC019715, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JC019715 2024
    Ref. 4390
  3. Pita, I., M. Goes, D.L. Volkov, S. Dong, G. Goni, and M. Cirano. An Argo and XBT observing system for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and meridional heat transport (AXMOC) at 22.5°S. Journal of Geophysical Research, 129(1):e2023JC020010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JC020010 2024
    Ref. 4379

Department of Commerce Gold Medal 2022

For the successful experimental application of uncrewed surface vehicles, i.e., saildrones, to observe conditions in Atlantic tropical cyclones.

Department of Commerce Bronze Medal 2021

For the successful coordination and operation of a “picket fence” of underwater gliders during the 2019 hurricane season for improved forecasting.

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology Denny Medal 2016

For the best paper published over the course of a year in the Journal of Operational Oceanography.

Trinanes, J.A., M.J. Olascoaga, G.J. Goni, N.A. Maximenko, D.A. Griffin, and J. Hafner, 2016: Analysis of flight MH370 potential debris trajectories using ocean observations and numerical model results. Journal of Operational Oceanography, 9(2):126-138 (doi:10.1080/ 1755876X.2016.1248149).

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrators Award 2016

For developing and implementing an Iridium-based, real-time transmission system for oceanographic and meteorological observations from ships.

Department of Commerce Bronze Medal 2016

For contributions on the rapid and successful implementation of an array of underwater gliders geared towards Caribbean Sea and tropical Atlantic Ocean hurricane research and forecasts.

NOAA/OAR Outstanding Scientific Paper Award 2001

Shay, L.K., G.J. Goni, and P.G. Black, 2000: Effects of a warm oceanic feature on Hurricane Opal.  Monthly Weather Review, 128(5):1336-1383.