Achim Randelhoff

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Achim Randelhoff is a biological oceanographer whose research centers on the biogeochemical dynamics of the Arctic Ocean, with a particular focus on the seasonal rhythms of phytoplankton and the role of sea ice in shaping marine ecosystems. His most cited work, the 2020 paper "Arctic mid-winter phytoplankton growth revealed by autonomous profilers" (68 citations), fundamentally challenges the long-held paradigm that phytoplankton cannot grow until significant sea-ice and snow melt occurs. By deploying autonomous profiling floats, Randelhoff provided direct observational evidence of phytoplankton growth beneath the ice during the polar night, revealing a more complex and productive winter ecosystem than previously assumed. This discovery has profound implications for understanding Arctic carbon cycling and food web dynamics in a rapidly changing climate. Beyond this landmark study, his research integrates physical oceanography with biology, exploring how nutrient fluxes, stratification, and light availability govern primary production. With a growing body of work that continues to reshape our understanding of polar marine life, Randelhoff stands out for his innovative use of autonomous technology to unlock the secrets of one of Earth's most extreme and least-observed environments.