First degree in physics at Manchester, graduated 1972. M.Sc. and Ph.D. in physical oceanography at University College of North Wales, 1976-1980. Research assistant, later research fellow at UCNW and unit for Coastal and Estuarine Studies. 1985-1986 Research fellow, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide. Appointed lecturer at Bangor University in 1987, senior lecturer in 1998. Research experience in the physical oceanography of shelf seas and estuaries includes considerable sea-going experience in the southern ocean, Indian Ocean and N.W.European shelf.

Professor

Room: 114 Marine Centre Wales

Phone: 01248 383933

E-mail: d.g.bowers@bangor.ac.uk

Google Scholar

ResearchGate

Optical oceanography of coastal and estuarine waters, particularly methods of extracting information about water contents from optical measurements. Member of the Marine Optics group at bangor, which is currently active in the following areas: remote sensing of suspended sediments in shelf seas through ocean colour, direct measurements of primary production in shelf seas using fast repetition rate fluorometers, relationships between yellow substance and dissolved organic matter in the sea, remote sensing of salinity using colour and tidal effects on the underwater light field.

2022

• PublishedWhy is there a tide?
  Ward, S., Bowers, D., Green, M. & Wilmes, S.-B., 7 Oct 2022, A Journey Through Tides. Green, M. & Duarte, J. (eds.). Elsevier, p. 81-113
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2021

• PublishedLes Marées
  Bowers, D. & Roberts, E. M., 17 Jun 2021, EDP Sciences.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
• PublishedProvidential Tides: the Double Low Water of Narragansett Bay
  Bowers, D. G. & Brubaker, J. M., Jan 2021, In: Estuaries and Coasts. 44, 1, p. 44-53 10 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe Importance of Organic Content to Fractal Floc Properties in Estuarine Surface Waters: Insights From Video, LISST, and Pump Sampling
  Fall, K. A., Friedrichs, C. T., Massey, G. M., Bowers, D. G. & Smith, S. J., 6 Jan 2021, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. 126, 1
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedWater masses constrain the distribution of deep-sea sponges in the North Atlantic Ocean and Nordic Seas
  Roberts, E. M., Bowers, D. G., Meyer, H. K., Samuelsen, A., Rapp, H. T. & Cardenas, P., 4 Feb 2021, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 659, p. 75-96
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• PublishedSecchi Disk Measurements in Turbid Water
  Bowers, D. G., Roberts, E. M., Hoguane, A. M., Fall, K. A., Massey, G. M. & Friedrichs, C. T., May 2020, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. 125, 5, 9 p., e2020JC016172.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedTides: A Very Short Introduction
  Bowers, D. & Roberts, E. M., 1 Feb 2020, Oxford University Press. 168 p. (Very Short Introductions)
  Research output: Book/Report › Book
• PublishedVertical migrations of fish schools determine overlap with a mobile tidal stream marine renewable energy device
  Whitton, T., Jackson, S., Hiddink, J. G., Scoulding, B., Bowers, D., Powell, B., D'Urban Jackson, T., Gimenez Noya, L. & Davies, A., 1 Apr 2020, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 57, 4, p. 729-741 13 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedThe atmospheric carbon sequestration potential of man-made tidal lagoons
  Piano, M., Papadimitriou, S., Roche, R., Bowers, D., Kennedy, D. & Kennedy, H., 15 Jun 2019, In: Continental Shelf Research. 181, p. 90-102
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2018

• PublishedTidal modulation of seabed light and its implications for benthic algae
  Roberts, E., Bowers, D. & Davies, A., Jan 2018, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 63, 1, p. 91-106
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedWhat can seabirds tell us about the tide?
  Cooper, M., Bishop, C. M., Lewis, M., Bowers, D., Bolton, M., Owen, E. & Dodd, S., 29 Nov 2018, In: Ocean Science. 14, 6, p. 1483-1490 7 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2017

• PublishedThe area-to-mass ratio and fractal dimension of marine flocs
  Bowers, D., McKee, D., Jago, C. & Nimmo-Smith, W. A. M., 5 Apr 2017, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 189, p. 224-234
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe double high tide at Port Ellen: Doodson's criterion revisited
  Byrne, H., Green, M. & Bowers, D., 20 Jul 2017, In: Ocean Science. 13, p. 599-607
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2015

• PublishedStratification in the presence of an axial convergent front: Causes and implications
  Howlett, E. R., Bowers, D. G., Malarkey, J. & Jago, C. F., 20 Apr 2015, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 161, p. 1-10
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2014

• PublishedClimate change and salinity in drinking water as a global problem: using remote-sensing methods to monitor surface water salinity
  Chong, Y. J., Khan, A., Scheelbeek, P., Butler, A., Bowers, D. & Vineis, P., 17 Feb 2014, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 35, 4, p. 1585-1599
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedOptically significant particle sizes in seawater
  Davies, E. J., McKee, D., Bowers, D., Graham, G. W. & Nimmo-Smith, W. A., 12 Feb 2014, In: Applied Optics. 53, 6, p. 1067-1074
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedQualitative changes of riverine dissolved organic matter at low salinities due to flocculation
  Asmala, E., Bowers, D. G., Autio, R., Kaartokallio, H. & Thomas, D. N., Oct 2014, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. 119, 10, p. 1919-1933
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSprings–neaps cycles in daily total seabed light: Daylength-induced changes
  Roberts, E. M., Bowers, D. G. & Davies, A. J., 1 Apr 2014, In: Journal of Marine Systems. 132, p. 116-129
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe effect of particulate organic content on the remote sensing of marine suspended sediment
  Bowers, D. G., Hill, P. S. & Braithwaite, K. M., 11 Feb 2014, In: Remote Sensing of Environment. 144, p. 172-178
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedVertical migration maintains phytoplankton position in a tidal channel with residual flow
  Macdonald, R. G., Bowers, D. G., McKee, D., Graham, G. W. & Nimmo-Smith, W. A., 27 Aug 2014, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 509, p. 113-126
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2013

• PublishedBriefing: Young Coastal Scientists and Engineers Conference 2012
  Green, M., Davies, A. G., Bowers, D. G., Zhu, F., Ward, S. L. & Porter, K., Sept 2013, In: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Maritime Engineering. 166, 3, p. 101-108
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedWater masses, mixing, and the flow of dissolved organic carbon through the Irish Sea
  Bowers, D., Roberts, E., White, M. & Moate, B., 2013, In: Continental Shelf Research. 58, p. 12-20
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2012

• PublishedA note on using a digital camera to measure suspended sediment load in Maputo Bay, Mozambique
  Hoguane, A. M., Green, C., Bowers, D. & Nordez, S., 1 May 2012, In: IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters. 3, 3, p. 259-266
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedBio-optical properties of east coast Malaysia waters in relation to remote sensing of chlorophyll
  Bowers, D. G., Md-Suffian, I. & Mitchelson-Jacob, E. G., 1 Jan 2012, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 33, 1, p. 150-169
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedControls on floc growth in an energetic tidal channel
  Braithwait, K. M., Bowers, D. G., Smith, W. A. & Graham, G. W., 1 Feb 2012, In: Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans. 117, C2, p. 1-12
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInterpreting LISST-100X measurements of particles with complex shape using digital in-line holography
  Graham, G. W., Davies, E. J., Nimmo-Smith, W. A., Bowers, D. G. & Braithwaite, K. M., 1 May 2012, In: Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans. 117, C5, p. C05034
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedIntroducing Oceanography
  Thomas, D. N. & Bowers, D., 20 Sept 2012, 1 ed. Edinburgh: Dunedin Academic Press Ltd. 151 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book
• PublishedMeasurements of mineral particle absorption properties in turbid estuaries: Intercomparison of methods and implications for optical inversions
  Moate, B. D., Bowers, D. G. & Thomas, D., 31 Mar 2012, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 99, p. 95-107
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2011

• PublishedThe optical efficiency of flocs in shelf seas and estuaries.
  Bowers, D. G., Braithwaite, K. M., Nimmo-Smith, W. A. & Graham, G. W., 10 Feb 2011, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 91, 3, p. 341-350
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2010

• PublishedObservations of particle density and scattering in the Tamar Estuary.
  Braithwait, K., Bowers, D. G., Nimmo-Smith, W. A., Graham, G. W., Agrawal, Y. C. & Mikkelson, O. A., 15 Nov 2010, In: Marine Geology. 277, 1-4, p. 1-10
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedTidal amplification of seabed light.
  Bowers, D. G. & Brubaker, J. M., 9 Sept 2010, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. 115, p. C09008
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

• PublishedExudation and decomposition of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) from some temperate macroalgae.
  Hulatt, C., Thomas, D. N., Bowers, D., Norman, L. & Zhang, C., 20 Aug 2009, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 84, 1, p. 147-153
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedFundamentals of in situ digital camera methodology for water quality monitoring of coast and ocean.
  Goddijn-Murphy, L., Dailloux, D., White, M. & Bowers, D. G., 1 Jul 2009, In: Sensors. 9, 7, p. 5825-5843
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedLight scattering by particles suspended in the sea: The role of particle size and density.
  Bowers, D. G., Braithwaite, K. M., Nimmo-Smith, W. A. & Graham, G. W., 30 Jul 2009, In: Continental Shelf Research. 29, 14, p. 1748-1755
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedRemote sensing of temporal and spatial patterns of suspended particle size in the Irish Sea in relation to the Kolmogorov microscale.
  Van Der Lee, E. M., Bowers, D. G. & Kyte, E., 15 May 2009, In: Continental Shelf Research. 29, 9, p. 1213-1225
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2008

• PublishedA model of turbidity maximum maintenance in the Irish Sea.
  Ellis, K., Binding, C., Bowers, D. G., Jones, S. & Simpson, J. H., 1 Mar 2008, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 76, 4, p. 765-774
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe relationship between CDOM and salinity in estuaries: an analytical and graphical solution.
  Bowers, D. G. & Brett, H. L., 1 Sept 2008, In: Journal of Marine Systems. 73, 1-2, p. 1-7
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2007

• PublishedOptical remote sensing of sea surface salinity: possibility or pipedream?
  Moate, B. D., Bowers, D. G. & Thomas, D. N., 1 Jan 2007.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedSatellite remote sensing of the geographical distribution of suspended particle size in an energetic shelf sea
  Bowers, D. G., Binding, C. E. & Ellis, K., 1 Jul 2007, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 73, 3-4, p. 457-466
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSpectral fitting techniques in turbid water
  Bowers, D. G., Kyte, E. & Mitchelson-Jacob, E. G., 19 Jun 2007, p. 061215-025.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedSpectral fitting techniques in turbid water.
  Bowers, D. G., Kyte, E. & Mitchelson-Jacob, E. G., 18 Jun 2007, p. 1-4.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2006

• PublishedA note on salt intrusion in funnel-shaped estuaries: Application to the Incomati estuary, Mozambique
  Brockway, R., Bowers, D. G., Hoguane, A., Dove, V. & Vassele, V., 1 Jan 2006, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 66, 1-2, p. 1-5
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedOptical properties of mineral suspended particles in the sea: a review and synthesis.
  Bowers, D. G. & Binding, C. E., 1 Mar 2006, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 67, 1-2, p. 219-230
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedOptical remote sensing of sea surface salinity in a well- mixed turbid estuary.
  Moate, B., Bowers, D. & Thomas, D. N., 1 Jan 2006.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2005

• PublishedBaltic Sea remote sensing and bio-optical modelling – Guest Editor’s preface
  Hakansson, B. & Bowers, D. G., 20 Jan 2005, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 26, 2, p. 231
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEstimating suspended sediment concentrations from ocean colour measurements in moderately turbid waters; the impact of variable particle scattering properties.
  Binding, C. E., Bowers, D. G. & Mitchelson-Jacob, E. G., 15 Feb 2005, In: Remote Sensing of the Environment. 94, 3, p. 373-383
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedIsolated turbidity maxima in shelf seas.
  Bowers, D. G., Ellis, K. M. & Jones, S. E., 1 Jun 2005, In: Continental Shelf Research. 25, 9, p. 1071-1080
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUsing digital cameras for river plume and water quality measurements
  White, M., Feighery, L., Bowers, D. G., O'Riain, G. & Bowyer, P., 20 Oct 2005, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 26, 20, p. 4405-4419
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2004

• PublishedA study of the temporal variability in particle size in a high energy regime.
  Ellis, K. M., Bowers, D. G. & Jones, S. E., 1 Oct 2004, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 61, 2, p. 311-315
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInterpreting the colour of an estuary.
  Bowers, D. G., Evans, D., Thomas, D. N., Ellis, K. & Williams, P. J., 1 Jan 2004, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 59, 1, p. 13-20
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUnderwater sunlight maxima in the Menai Strait.
  Bowers, D. G. & Brubaker, J. M., 1 Jul 2004, In: Journal of Optics A - Pure and Applied Optics. 6, 7, p. 684-689
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2003

• PublishedA simple turbulent energy-based model of fine suspended sediments in the Irish Sea.
  Bowers, D. G., 1 Oct 2003, In: Continental Shelf Research. 23, 16, p. 1495-1505
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedAn algorithm for the retrieval of suspended sediment concentrations in the Irish Sea from SeaWiFS ocean colour satellite imagery.
  Binding, C. E., Bowers, D. G. & Mitchelson-Jacob, E. G., 1 Oct 2003, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 24, 19, p. 3791-3806
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInterannual variability in Irish Sea turbidity and relation to wind strength
  White, M., Bowers, D. G., Gaffney, S. P. & Bowyer, P., 1 Jan 2003, In: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 103B, p. 83-90
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMeasuring the salinity of the Clyde Sea from remotely sensed ocean colour.
  Binding, C. E. & Bowers, D. G., 1 Jul 2003, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 57, 4, p. 605-611
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMultivariate techniques to accurately characterise catchments.
  Evans, D. W., Thomas, D. N., Bowers, D. G. & Williams, P. J., 1 Jan 2003.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedTesting long term trends in turbidity in the Menai Strait, North Wales.
  Kratzer, S., Buchan, S. & Bowers, D. G., 1 Feb 2003, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 56, 2, p. 221-226
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2002

• PublishedTurbidity in the southern Irish Sea.
  Bowers, D. G., Gaffney, S., White, M. & Bowyer, P., 1 Oct 2002, In: Continental Shelf Research. 22, 15, p. 2115-2126
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2001

• PublishedDetecting the Zambezi River Plume using Observed Optical Properties.
  Siddorn, J. R., Bowers, D. G. & Hoguane, A. M., 1 Oct 2001, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 42, 10, p. 942-950
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedOn the calibration and use of in situ Ocean Colour measurements for monitoring algal blooms.
  Bowers, D. G., Kratzer, S., Morrison, J. R., Smith, P. S., Tett, P. B., Walne, A. W. & Wild-Allen, K., 1 Jan 2001, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 22, 2-3, p. 359-368
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2000

• PublishedOptical properties of a region of freshwater influence (the Clyde Sea).
  Bowers, D. G., Harker, G. E., Smith, P. S. & Tett, P. B., 1 May 2000, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 50, 5, p. 717-726
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSeasonal changes in colour ratios and optically active contituents in the optical Case-2 waters of the Menai Strait, North Wales.
  Kratzer, S., Bowers, D. G. & Tett, P. B., 20 Jul 2000, In: International Journal of Remote Sensing. 21, 11, p. 2225-2246
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

1991

• PublishedTIDAL FRICTION IN A SEA WITH 2 EQUAL SEMIDIURNAL TIDAL CONSTITUENTS
  Bowers, D., Rippeth, T. & Simpson, J., 1 Feb 1991, In: Continental Shelf Research. 11, 2, p. 203-209
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• Measurement of the abundance and optical significance of sub-micron sized particles in the ocean

  01/04/2011 – 28/08/2015 (Finished)

• Algal biomass production and processing: modelling, optimisation and economic and life cycle analysis

  15/04/2010 – 14/04/2013 (Finished)

• Remote Sensing Measurement Of Marine

  01/10/2007 – 30/08/2011 (Finished)

• Developing Marine Sciences In Mozambique

  01/01/2007 – 23/05/2013 (Finished)