As a research scientist and experienced photographer, Dr Dale Stokes is particularly attuned to productive interplay between science and aesthetic creativity. Currently a research oceanographer in the Innovative Marine Technology (IMT) Laboratory at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, he has worked on projects as varied as tropical and polar ecology, air-sea gas transport, and marine aerosol formation, and his field experiences have included three seasons in the Arctic, seven in the Antarctic, and five saturation diving missions.

In addition, Dr Stokes’s photographs and text have appeared in publications such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and Natural History magazines and he has worked on numerous documentary film projects as scientific advisor and cameraman, including the BBC’s Blue Planet, the PBS Nature Under Antarctic Ice, and, most recently, a series of 3D IMAX films on various marine topics around the world (Wild Ocean, The Last Reef, White Shark 3D, and Return to the South Pacific).

As part of the SEISMIC: ART MEETS SCIENCE exhibition at GIANT Gallery, Dr Stokes responded to works by artist Peter Matthews, approaching Matthews’s paintings from a scientific standpoint. His thoughts are presented alongside words by exhibition curator, Paul Carey-Kent, which explore Matthews’s works from an arts perspective. Both of these commentaries can be found at the exhibition and in its catalogue, available here.

In this short interview, Dr Stokes tells us about his current research and projects and about the questions which remain around the formation of ocean clouds..

You’re currently based in California, but grew up in Canada a long way from the ocean. How did your interest in the ocean develop?

I was fixated on a career in oceanography from a very young age; unusual for a child growing up in northern Canada, 1000’s of km from the nearest ocean! I loved everything there was about the sea, and water in general. I was fortunate to have parents who nurtured that interest and an influential family friend, an earth-science professor, who provided guidance and advice as I grew. After receiving a college degree in Biology and Geology in Canada, I moved to California, right on the ocean, to pursue my PhD in oceanography. I have remained in California ever since and have been able to pursue marine science research around the world, from the tropics to both polar regions.

What is the main focus of your current research?

Right now my focus is two-fold. I am working with a small team of researchers trying to understand the tight coupling between the dynamic physical processes happening within the upper few meters of the ocean and the ‘world’ touching that boundary. Whether that is the atmosphere above it – where processes happening at the interface influence the earth’s climate – or ice caps and glaciers – where physical processes are affecting global sea level rise. I am also focused on my role as mentor and introducing a new generation of young students to marine science.

What is the most compelling question you would like to answer or to see answered in your field?

One of the things we are struggling to understand is the processes that make some of the tiny particles and bits of sea spray unique enough that once they are ejected into the atmosphere they chemically evolve and end up producing clouds above the ocean. Not all particles do! and the reasons are linked to the biology, chemistry, and physics of the air-sea boundary. Once above the ocean, these clouds end up influencing the climate of the entire earth.

How do you think the arts and humanities might provide a useful contribution to the science of Oceanography?

Scientists always benefit when they can ‘see’ the universe through a different lens. The arts and humanities provide this lens and a unique perspective on how to interact with environment and the people who live in it. The role of a scientist is to always wonder about the natural world, and the artists among us are uniquely positioned to help connect the creations of science with the lives of everyone.

What is your most memorable experience of creativity and why was the experience memorable?

Over the last few decades, I have been very fortunate to have worked on a series of IMAX documentary film productions highlighting marine environments around the world, so, I have no one special memorable experience. Each one of these projects has provided me unique opportunities to encounter different oceanic habitats, people and cultures. Almost half the world’s population lives within 100 km of a coast, hence, a huge portion of humanity lives in close contact with the sea. Working with all these people has proven invaluable.

For more information on Dr Stokes and his work, please visit here.

SEISMIC SCIENCE: DR DALE STOKES