物理海洋学涉及海洋中水运动的研究。能量通过风和太阳能加热被引入海洋，这些能量与地球的旋转和重力作用相结合，从而驱动海洋环流，潮汐和波浪。我们的物理海洋学家还研究了从本地天气模式到全球气候系统，地球海洋如何与大气直接耦合。CMS中的物理海洋学家使用最新技术对各种主题进行研究。计算机模型，实时数据，卫星遥感以及来自系泊阵列，沿海和岛屿潮汐仪以及研究航行的现场数据被用于研究广泛的研究问题。主题包括坦帕湾的潮汐和当前预报，西佛罗里达架和墨西哥湾的厄尔尼诺环流以及全球气候变化的潜力。
Physical oceanography involves the study of water movement in the ocean. Energy is introduced to the ocean through wind and solar heating, and these combine with the rotation of the Earth and gravitational effects to drive ocean circulation, tides, and waves. Our physical oceanographers also investigate how the Earth's oceans are directly coupled with the atmosphere, from local weather patterns to the global climate system. Physical oceanographers in the CMS carry out research on a variety of topics using the latest technology. Computer models, real time data, satellite remote sensing, and in situ data from moored arrays, coastal and island tide gauges, and research cruises are used to study a wide range of research problems. Topics include tide and current prediction in Tampa Bay, circulation on the West Florida Shelf and in the Gulf of Mexico, El Ni?o, and the potential for global climate change.