A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that groundwater extraction contributes about three times less to sea level rise than previously estimated, with an accurate figure of around 80%. This revised estimate suggests that other processes may be contributing more water to sea level rise, widening the gap between modeled ...
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 2, 2016
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a detailed map of the California sea lion's brain, highlighting its unique somatosensory system. The study revealed specific areas in the brain responsible for processing touch information from whiskers and flippers, similar to those found in mice and humans.
SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateApr 27, 2016
Sea ice physicists project a possible record-low Arctic sea ice extent this summer, with thin ice unlikely to survive the melting season. The CryoSat-2 satellite data shows that arctic sea ice was unusually thin in 2015 and grew slowly during the past winter.
SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateApr 21, 2016
A study found polar bears are swimming more due to reduced summer sea ice, with adult females covering distances of up to 249 miles in search of food. Climate change is linked to the increased swimming behavior, which may have serious implications for polar bear populations.
SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalEcography·DateApr 19, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new University of Miami-led study found significant increases in flooding frequency in Miami Beach over the last decade due to accelerated sea-level rise. The researchers suggest using regional sea-level rise projections to better prepare for future flood hazards in South Florida.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateApr 4, 2016
A new ice sheet model suggests that Antarctic ice sheet melting could lead to a 50-foot rise in sea level by 2500, potentially doubling previous estimates. The researchers attribute this to ocean warming and the fracturing of floating ice shelves, which would cause them to collapse into the sea.
A study by Rutgers University researchers links Greenland's melting surface ice to shrinking Arctic sea ice and strong 'blocking-high' pressure systems. The findings highlight the increased threat of coastal communities as sea levels rise.
SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 28, 2016
A genetic study on 'Burnt Hot Dog' sea cucumbers reveals low genetic diversity in polluted areas, highlighting the need for increased fisheries management and protections. The study also finds that these sea cucumbers play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalConservation Genetics·DateMar 22, 2016
A new study forecasts that a 6-foot sea level rise will expose over 13 million American homes to flooding and other hazards, with Florida facing the greatest risk. The research provides policymakers with detailed information to develop practical adaptation strategies for protecting land threatened by frequent and repeated inundation.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 14, 2016
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A decade-long decline in high-calorie fish prey, such as sardines and anchovies, has led to a decrease in the weight of California sea lion pups. This is because nursing females struggle to support their pups' nutritional needs with lower-calorie alternatives like market squid.
SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 2, 2016
Researchers analyze Kolponomos fossils and compare them to those of Smilodon, finding similarities in jaw structure suitable for anchoring against prey. The study suggests that Kolponomos may have used an anchor-biting strategy to pry hard-shelled invertebrates from rocks.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateMar 1, 2016
A new method quantifies monetary losses from coastal floods under sea-level rise, showing that damage costs consistently increase at a higher rate. The study provides estimates of average annual costs of sea-level rise over longer time periods, helping policymakers assess adaptation measures.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2016
A Rutgers University-led study published today reveals that the Earth's sea level rose by about 14 centimeters between 1900 and 2000, a substantial increase for vulnerable coastal areas. Without global warming, sea levels might have declined or risen less than half of this amount.
SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016
A new study combines two methods for estimating future sea-level rise, yielding a more robust risk range of 50-130 centimeters by 2100. The research provides critical information for coastal planners, who can use the tool to assess adaptation strategies and design flood insurance schemes.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre use GPS reflections to measure sea surface height from space for the first time. This technique provides a new way to monitor ocean currents by detecting variations in sea surface height caused by currents.
SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 22, 2016
A team of geologists at UC Santa Barbara is measuring coastal erosion and the effects of sea level rise and higher energy storms brought by El Niño this winter. The study aims to simulate future climate conditions and provide insights into California's coast a century from now.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateFeb 19, 2016
New research documents high levels of algal toxins in Alaskan marine mammals, including whales, walruses, and sea otters. The study finds a major northward expansion of toxin-exposed areas along the Pacific Coast, with implications for human consumption.
SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalHarmful Algae·DateFeb 11, 2016
Research shows that artificial lights along Florida's coast deter nesting females but also find that sea turtle-friendly lighting ordinances are working. The density of sea turtle nests is reduced where artificial light is brightest and higher where it's dark.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateJan 28, 2016
Researchers discovered that certain sea slugs selectively store the toxin Latrunculin A, which is more toxic to cancer cell lines than other compounds. Bright colours and chemical defences are used by these creatures to warn potential predators away.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016
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A new study predicts that rail services in the South West of England will be disrupted for over 40 days per year by 2040 and up to 120 days by 2100 due to rising sea levels. The cost of maintaining tracks and sea defences is also expected to soar, with estimated annual costs rising from £800,000 to £5.8-7.6 million by 2040.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateDec 21, 2015
Scientists have discovered two critically endangered species of sea snakes off the coast of Western Australia, including the short-nosed and leaf-scaled sea snakes. The discoveries were made in Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, raising hopes for conservation efforts to protect these unique species.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 21, 2015
A Dartmouth College-led study finds that melting sea ice will significantly increase Arctic precipitation, creating a climate feedback comparable to doubling global carbon dioxide. The researchers used isotopic compositions of precipitation to quantify the link between precipitation and sea ice change.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015
Humpback whales' diets reflect surrounding environmental changes, while harbor porpoises recolonize San Francisco Bay and sea otters help restore ecosystem health. New research highlights the West Coast's diverse marine mammals and their responses to climate change.
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A new study reveals that exposure to algal toxin domoic acid impairs the memory of California sea lions, affecting their ability to navigate and find food. The researchers found structural abnormalities in the animals' hippocampal regions, which corresponded to poorer performance on spatial memory tasks.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2015
Research at the Society of Marine Mammalogy's Biennial Conference highlights how climate change is affecting marine mammals globally, introducing new interactions and shifting habitats. Marine mammals, especially in the Arctic, serve as sentinel species reflecting environmental changes.
A study found that chronic exposure to domoic acid causes significant deficits in spatial memory and brain damage in California sea lions. The research documented impaired performance on short- and long-term spatial memory tasks and linked the extent of hippocampal damage to specific behavioral impairments.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2015
Scientists at NCAR predict a possible slow-down in winter sea ice loss over the next several years, driven by changes in the North Atlantic ocean circulation. Weakening of the AMOC may mask human-caused climate change impacts and stabilize sea ice extent.
SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 8, 2015
A new study reveals that female leatherback sea turtles choose nest sites based on sand pH and conductivity levels, with slightly higher pH and milder conductivity being preferred. This knowledge will aid in protecting the species' nesting habitat and boost ecotourism incentives.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery·DateNov 24, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers at Lund University estimate that sea traffic emissions account for almost half of measured particles in coastal air, exceeding previous estimates. Nanoparticles can penetrate deeper into the lungs than larger particles, contributing to health issues.
A new study suggests that Antarctic ice sheet collapse will contribute to a significant but lower-than-expected 10-30 cm sea-level rise over the next two hundred years. The research uses an ice-sheet model to predict the consequences of unstable retreat of the ice, which recent studies suggest has begun in West Antarctica.
SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015
A study found that Chukchi Sea polar bears spent more time on land during summer sea ice loss, with minimal access to preferred prey. The increased land use may lead to increased nutritional stress and human-polar bear interactions.
New studies reveal that human-produced aerosols could lead to up to 40% of future Arctic sea ice loss and formation of coastal sea ice drives North Pacific ocean circulation. Meanwhile, scientists face challenges in predicting sea level rise from West Antarctica's melting ice sheet.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 21, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
The 2015 Antarctic maximum sea ice extent is the 22nd lowest on record, breaking a streak of record highs. The strong El Niño event had an impact on the sea ice distribution in west Antarctica, causing it to be 513,000 square miles below the previous record high.
Researchers detected parabens and their byproducts in tissues of marine mammals like dolphins, sea otters, and polar bears. High levels were found in some species, with tens of thousands of nanograms per gram of tissue.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 14, 2015
Researchers find overexploitation of resources by adaptable predators can cause long-term negative effects on food webs. The change in prey can trigger an extinction cascade where species are wiped out in a domino effect.
SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015
A new report by the University of Washington reveals 253 known fish species living in the Salish Sea region, including some newly added and removed species. The comprehensive survey represents the first thorough analysis of Salish Sea fishes in 35 years.
Climate models predict a doubling of extreme interannual sea level swings in the tropical southwestern Pacific, posing significant risks to vulnerable coastlines. Sea level drops and flooding will have severe consequences for Pacific Island communities adapting to rising sea levels.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Methane emissions from Arctic tundra increase when sea ice melts due to altered ocean temperatures and microbial activity. The loss of sea ice has a significant impact on the Arctic climate, leading to higher temperatures and increased methane production.
SourceLund University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2015
The 2015 Arctic sea ice minimum extent is the fourth lowest on record, with a minimum of 1.70 million square miles. The decline in sea ice cover has accelerated since the late 1970s and is attributed to warming temperatures.
Researchers found that global sea level during the Pliocene warm period was 30-44 feet higher than previously thought, but significantly lower than estimated. The study suggests that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet might be more resilient to climate change than previously assumed.
SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalGeology·DateSep 3, 2015
A new European Marine Board paper highlights the need for major progress in deep-sea research to underpin future management and exploitation of living and non-living deep-sea resources. The report identifies deficiencies in basic knowledge of deep-sea systems, which could hinder ecosystem-based management and limit sustainability.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have developed a new technique for estimating sea ice concentration, improving US Navy forecasts by almost 40%. The blended input approach combines satellite data and human interpretation to capture smaller patches of sea ice, enhancing forecast accuracy.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateAug 30, 2015
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A new study finds Pribilof Canyon in the Bering Sea to contain dense populations of deep-sea corals and sponges, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts. The research also suggests that restrictions on bottom-contact fishing can be implemented without significantly impacting the commercial fishing industry.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateJul 30, 2015
Researchers have found that sea levels in the Chesapeake Bay region deviate from global trends due to glacio-isostatic adjustment, with implications for future subsidence and sea-level rise. The study suggests that the region will continue to experience subsidence for millennia, exacerbating coastal erosion and resource loss.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJul 28, 2015
A University of Texas at Arlington study reveals that sea stars have an immune response characterized by various types of immunities, including the first melanin gene ever recorded in a sea star. The team also found changes in genes related to collagen and nervous system function, which may contribute to the disease's effects.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2015
Scientists used genetic analysis of otter droppings, known as spraint, to estimate the size of the population. They found around 20 otters living in a 35-square-kilometer area, with numbers fluctuating depending on pond yields.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2015
New calculations by researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute show a significant risk of major sea level rise in Northern Europe, with potential increases of up to 1.5 meters in Scandinavia, England, and northern Germany. The study highlights regional differences in gravity and land uplift affecting sea levels.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalClimate Research·DateJun 18, 2015
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AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Operation IceBridge successfully collected data over sea and land ice regions, releasing two sea ice data products to aid in forecasting Arctic sea ice behavior. The mission also supported various international research collaborations and provided valuable data to inform models predicting summer sea ice melt.
A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2015
A beached iceberg in Antarctica has provided a unique natural experiment to study the effects of sea-ice changes on marine ecosystems. The study found that seaweed on the sea floor had decomposed or become discolored due to lack of light, while darker-adapted animals started to colonize the area.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPolar Biology·DateMay 18, 2015
Fraser River sockeye salmon infected with sea lice are less successful at consuming food than their lightly infected counterparts, according to a recent study. The research suggests that sea lice may indirectly affect the survival of juvenile sockeye through reduced foraging success.
SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMay 1, 2015
Researchers found that young sea turtles (6-18 months old) swim actively and disperse through ocean currents, reaching favorable habitats. This discovery has huge implications for understanding early sea turtle survival and behavior.
SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 9, 2015
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A team of researchers found that sea levels rose by an average of four inches along the Northeast Coast from New York to Newfoundland, causing flooding independent of hurricanes or winter storms. The extreme increase was linked to changes in ocean circulation and the North Atlantic Oscillation.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2015
Global sea ice has been decreasing at an average annual rate of 13,500 square miles since 1979, with the Arctic losing more than it gains in Antarctica. The Arctic ice decrease has accelerated over time, leading to increased absorption of solar radiation and further heating.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Climate·DateFeb 10, 2015
Researchers found that Arctic sea ice trend is influenced by internal variability, making long-term predictions challenging. There's a 34% chance of no change or growth in sea ice over a seven-year period, and a 5% chance of rapid loss.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 28, 2015
Researchers found that green turtles tend not to bask when local winter sea surface temperatures stay above 23 degrees Celsius. The scientists project that global warming trends could lead to the end of beach basking globally by 2102, with Hawaii's green turtles possibly stopping by 2039.
SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 23, 2015
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study reveals that a small variation in sea level can stall coral reef growth and sediment production, contradicting the long-held notion of continuous reef formation. The research found that most lagoon infilling occurred over just four thousand years before being 'turned off' by a relatively small sea level fall.
A University of Central Florida study warns that climate change is eroding beach habitats critical to sea turtle survival, threatening a 30-year conservation success story. The study suggests that armoring beaches with hard structures could harm wildlife, including sea turtles.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalChelonian Conservation and Biology·DateJan 21, 2015
A new study by Penn State geoscientists suggests that the Greenland Ice Sheet is melting at a faster rate due to rising temperatures, with potential global sea level rise of up to 24 feet. The study's findings highlight the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate this effect and protect vulnerable communities.
A Harvard University study reveals that global sea level has accelerated far more than initially thought, with a 30% increase in sea level rise from 1900-1990 compared to previous estimates. The researchers used a new approach to estimate sea level change by accounting for the limitations of existing tide gauge records.
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