'Hot spot' for toxic harmful algal blooms discovered off Washington coast
A 'hot spot' for toxic harmful algal blooms has been discovered off the Washington coast, where microorganisms can trigger harmful blooms that force shellfish bed closures.
Search results for “Oceanography”
1,000+ results for "Oceanography"
Pole-to-pole flights provide first global picture of greenhouse gases
Scientists embark on three-year project to measure carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases worldwide, shedding light on their distribution and impact on climate change. The research will enable better predictions of greenhouse gas emissions and inform society's decisions about climate change mitigation.
SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJan 29, 2009
Nile Delta fishery grows dramatically thanks to run-off of sewage, fertilizers
The Nile Delta fishery has grown significantly due to the influx of nutrients from fertilizers and sewage discharges, with 60-100% of production supported by these sources. This unexpected expansion raises questions about the value of anthropogenic nutrient inputs to ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2009
International experts weigh-in on harmful algal blooms
International experts cite nutrient pollution as a major force behind increased harmful algal bloom events. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science presents a compilation of research highlighting the role of nutrient pollution in driving these events.
Rosenstiel School student wins honor at ocean forecasting symposium
University of Miami Rosenstiel School Ph.D. student Rafael Schiller earns a coveted 'Best Poster' award for his research on improving coastal simulations using GODAE and satellite products, supporting the Northern Gulf of Mexico Cooperative Institute.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateDec 8, 2008
December Geosphere media highlights
The Geosphere journal features two studies: one on climate change in the southwestern US from 17-6 million years ago, and another on the evolution of the South Balkan extensional system. The climate study used sedimentation and erosion history to interpret changes in ocean circulation and North American monsoon activity.
Shrimp trawling may boost mercury in red snapper, study suggests
A new study from Texas Christian and Louisiana State universities finds that shrimp trawling operations in the Gulf of Mexico are linked to higher levels of toxic mercury in juvenile red snappers. The research demonstrates a clear relationship between mercury concentrations and coastal areas where commercial shrimp trawling occurs.
SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateNov 26, 2008
Biomedical research profits from the exploration of the deep sea
A team of scientists has discovered a new green fluorescent protein in a deep-sea creature, which can be used as a marker in living cells and tissues. The protein, named cerFP505, has similar brightness and stability to existing fluorescent proteins, making it an ideal lead structure for super-resolution microscopy.
Ecologists use oceanographic data to predict future climate change
A team of researchers used oceanographic data to predict the potential consequences of climate change on a global scale. They found that if current trends continue, altered ocean circulation could lead to dramatic implications for the world's climate and biosphere.
Ultrasound shown to exert remote control of brain circuits
Neuroscientists at Arizona State University developed pulsed ultrasound techniques to remotely stimulate brain circuit activity, offering insights into noninvasive neurostimulation of brain circuits. The findings provide a new tool for modulating neural circuit activity, potentially treating post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic b...
Global methane levels on the rise again
After eight years of near-zero growth, global methane concentrations have resumed their increase, potentially offsetting the slowing growth rate of carbon dioxide. Methane is a key greenhouse gas, accounting for nearly 20% of global warming since the industrial revolution.
Volcanoes may have provided sparks of first life
Researchers reanalyzed Stanley Miller's classic origin of life experiment to determine if chemical compounds could be detected using modern equipment. They found that a modern day version of the volcanic apparatus produces a wider variety of compounds, including 22 previously unidentified amino acids.
Bays on US Gulf Coast vulnerable to flooding
A comprehensive review of US Gulf Coast bays suggests they will face dramatic and rapid flooding events in the coming century. Sediment flow from dams and sea-level increases pose a significant threat, with some bays potentially expanding by one-third over 100-200 years.
Petascale climate modeling heats up at University of Miami
Researchers develop novel weather and climate modeling strategy to isolate interactions between weather and climate, applying it to the NCAR's Community Climate System Model. This project aims to advance Earth system science, improve weather and climate predictions, and inform environmental policies.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateSep 4, 2008
Global sea-rise levels by 2100 may be lower than some predict, says CU-Boulder study
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study concludes that global sea rise of more than 6 feet is physically impossible by 2100. The team estimates a total sea level rise of roughly 3 to 6 feet, which is still potentially devastating for low-lying coastal areas.
Complex ocean behavior studied with 'artificial upwelling'
Researchers use wave energy to pump cold, nutrient-rich water from deep ocean to surface waters near Hawaii, aiming to control plankton growth. They believe this can help mitigate global greenhouse buildup by understanding large-scale interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.
Magmatically triggered slow earthquake discovered at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
A team of researchers has discovered a slow earthquake triggered by the 2007 dike intrusion at Kilauea Volcano, demonstrating the connection between magmatism and earthquake faulting. The study used satellite and GPS data to track the movement of magma and show how it triggered the slow earthquake on Kilauea's south flank.
A recipe for saving the world's oceans from an extinction crisis
Experts warn of catastrophic ocean extinction unless drastic measures are taken to reverse the damage caused by human exploitation, pollution and climate change. The consequences include the collapse of edible species, toxic algal blooms and increased disease outbreaks.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2008
Sky's the limit for incoming UM students
Five University of Miami students received top honors with prestigious American Meteorological Society (AMS) awards, bolstering the university's reputation for academic rigor in meteorology. The Rosenstiel School's undergraduate program, one of only 70 nationwide, has seen notable success with these scholarships and fellowships.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 30, 2008
Socrates Fellows Program teams high school teachers with UCSD grad students
The UCSD Socrates Fellows Program pairs high school science teachers with PhD students in active research labs, enhancing both teacher's and student's learning experiences. The project aims to boost teamwork, problem-solving skills, and broaden professional outlook among graduate students.
Climate change causing significant shift in composition of coastal fish communities
A 50-year analysis of Narragansett Bay fish-trawl surveys reveals a shift from vertebrate to invertebrate species and from benthic to pelagic species composition. The study attributes this change primarily to global warming, with smaller, warm-water species increasing while larger, cool-water species declining.
SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateJun 27, 2008
Genome sequence of small marine creature sheds light on vertebrate origins
Researchers have discovered insights into vertebrate origins and the evolution of immune systems, nervous system development, and cell signaling through the analysis of the amphioxus genome. The study reveals conserved genes and DNA elements between amphioxus and humans, suggesting a common ancestor with vertebrates.
'Women in Science' fellowship to fund postdoc's study of deep-sea methane
L'Oreal USA Fellowship recipient Laura Lapham is studying geochemical research in the Gulf of Mexico on gas hydrates and their potential impact on climate change. She aims to collect samples using a manned submersible vehicle, which could provide insights into large amounts of methane loss from ocean sediments.
'Barren' seafloor teeming with microbial life
A recent study reveals thousands of times more bacteria on the seafloor than in the water above, with higher diversity and abundance compared to hydrothermal vents. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the deep-sea carbon cycle and the emergence of life.
2008 L'Oreal USA Fellowships for Women in Science awarded to 5 groundbreaking researchers
The L'Oreal USA Fellowships recognize women scientists conducting innovative research across various disciplines, including neuroscience, oceanography, and aerospace engineering. The recipients will receive $40,000 for independent scientific research and participate in professional development workshops.
Atmosphere threatened by pollutants entering ocean, prof says
A team of scientists found that human-caused nitrogen compounds entering the ocean may remove up to 10% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, this gain is offset by the release of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Oxygen depletion: A new form of ocean habitat loss
A new study confirms that oxygen-poor regions in tropical oceans are expanding, limiting habitats for predatory fishes and other marine organisms. The research team analyzed ocean oxygen measurements and found significant declines in tropical oceans between 300 to 700 meters depth over the past 50 years.
Tiny tremors can track extreme storms in a warming planet
Researchers have discovered that tiny earth tremors caused by wind-driven ocean waves can track extreme storms. Microseism signals show up as oscillations of Earth's surface and increase in amplitude with storm intensity, offering a unique way to monitor storm intensities across seasons and geographical locations.
FSU receives $2.5M grant to develop forecasts for farmers
Florida State University has been awarded a two-year $2.5 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to provide climate forecasting for farmers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The research will help farmers make informed decisions on planting crops such as peanuts, cotton, and strawberries.
New twist on life's power source
Marine microorganisms have evolved a way to break the rules of photosynthesis, releasing less oxygen and absorbing fewer carbon dioxide. This discovery impacts our understanding of photosynthesis and its effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Team probes mysteries of oceanic bacteria
A team of MIT researchers has devised a new method to analyze gene expression in complex microbial populations, providing insights into the role of oceanic bacteria in regulating Earth's natural cycles. The technique has yielded surprising discoveries, including the identification of previously unknown bacterial genes and their functions.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2008
Krill discovered living in the Antarctic abyss
Scientists have discovered Antarctic krill thriving in deep waters, down to 3000 meters, contrary to earlier assumptions about their surface-dwelling nature. This finding sheds light on the complex behavior of marine organisms and highlights the importance of exploring the deep sea to understand our planet.
LSU researchers challenge analyses on sustainability of Gulf fisheries
Researchers from LSU and University of Washington dispute claims that the Gulf's ecosystem is collapsing due to overexploitation. They found little change in fish populations over 40 years, despite the region's unique environment influenced by the Mississippi River.
SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2008
Ocean's fiercest predators now vulnerable to extinction
A recent global assessment by the World Conservation Union has found that many large shark species have declined by more than half due to increased demand for shark fins and meat, as well as recreational and commercial fisheries. The scalloped hammerhead shark is among those listed as globally endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Scientists reveal first-ever global map of total human effects on oceans
A new study provides a global-scale map of human impact on marine ecosystems, revealing 40% of the world's oceans are heavily affected. The research highlights the cumulative effect of activities such as fishing, climate change, and pollution, with some areas experiencing dramatic degradation.
UCSD research team identifies novel anticancer drug from the sea
A collaborative team of researchers has identified somocystinamide A, a highly potent cancer-fighting compound isolated from cyanobacteria L. Majuscula, which inhibits neovascularization and tumor cell proliferation.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2008
Researchers give new hybrid vehicle its first test drive in the ocean
A new hybrid vehicle, powered by the heat differences in the ocean, has successfully completed its first oceanic test drive. The 'thermal glider' harvests heat energy to propel itself across thousands of kilometers of water, offering a virtually unlimited energy source for propulsion.
Stevens researchers provide oversight for three-year mariculture program in Egypt and Israel
Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have been awarded a grant to evaluate an integrated mariculture system that recycles fish excretions into feed for oysters and clams. The program aims to promote mutual cooperation between scientists from Egypt and Israel, with two pilot systems set up in Alexandria and Eilat.
Humans are cause of diminishing water flow in the West
Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have pinpointed human-caused climate change as the cause of decreasing water flow in the West. The study found that warming temperatures and rising greenhouse gas levels are affecting snowpack, river flows, and ultimately, the water supply.
Ecologists, material scientists pursue genetics of diatom's elegant, etched casing
Researchers have identified a large number of genes that govern how diatoms build their shells, which are crucial for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study also reveals a link between iron availability and shell thickness, with implications for climate change mitigation strategies.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2008
In diatom, scientists find genes that may level engineering hurdle
Researchers have identified 75 genes involved in silica bioprocessing in diatoms, which could lead to more efficient and smaller-scale nanofabrication for computer chips. The discovery could increase chip speed and address the current limitation of photolithographic techniques.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2008
Carbon offset warning from international team of scientists
A leading international team of marine scientists has warned that it is too early to sell carbon offsets from ocean iron fertilization. The researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale experiments to assess the efficiency and potential side effects of this method, which could have unintended ecological impacts.
Evidence of glaciation in 'super greenhouse' world
Researchers found evidence of 200,000 year period of widespread glaciation in the 'super greenhouse' climate. Ice sheets were approximately 60% the size of modern Antarctic ice cap and existed when alligators lived in the Arctic.
North Atlantic warming tied to natural variability; but global warming may be at play elsewhere
A Duke University-led study found that North Atlantic Ocean surface waters warmed from 1950 to 2000 due to natural wind patterns called the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), not human-caused global warming. The subpolar regions cooled while subtropical and tropical waters warmed
The hills and valleys of Earth's largest salt 'flat'
Researchers mapped Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni to a resolution of a few centimeters, uncovering previously hidden features like hills, ridges, and valleys. These topographic features impact satellite-based ranging instruments' accuracy, revealing a correlation between subsurface density variations and surface gravity strength
Marine scientists warn human safety, prosperity depend on better ocean observing system
A global ocean observing system is crucial to measure the health of our oceans and respond to climate change. The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans urges completion of a comprehensive system within 10 years.
Giant submarine landslide identified
A 60,000-year-old submarine landslide produced the longest recorded flow of sand and mud on Earth, spanning 1,500 kilometers. The massive event transported sediment volumes equivalent to 10 times those carried by all Earth's rivers annually.
ONR honors Shlesinger with 2006 Dr. Fred E. Saalfeld Award
Dr. Michael F. Shlesinger receives the 2006 Dr. Fred E. Saalfeld Award for his significant lifetime contributions to science, particularly in nonlinear dynamics and its applications to various fields. He is recognized for fostering research in areas such as shipborne crane control, secure communications, and high-power laser arrays.
Researchers develop simple method to create natural drug products
Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a new method to create natural antibacterial molecules using enzyme ingredients. This breakthrough process allows for the synthesis of complex molecules in a relatively simple mixing process, paving the way for cheaper and more sustainable 'green' chemistry.
WHOI, partners awarded ocean observing contract
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has been awarded a $97.7 million contract to support the development and installation of coastal and global components of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The partnership includes Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Oregon State University, aimin...
OSU joins ocean observatories initiative
Oregon State University will lead a component of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative, located in the Pacific Northwest's coastal ocean. The $331.5 million research facility project will create a distributed, multi-tiered observatory spanning global, regional and coastal scales.
ODP scientists say no large Northern Hemisphere ice sheets 41 million years ago
Researchers using pinhead-sized fossils from sediments deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean found that large continental ice sheets did not exist in both hemispheres around 41 million years ago. The findings resolve a long-standing problem and provide renewed confidence in our understanding of geological events and ice sheet existence.
Helping the carbon nanotube industry avoid mega-mistakes of the past
A new analysis has identified cancer-causing compounds, air pollutants, and other substances of concern in the production of carbon nanotubes. Researchers are working with industry partners to develop environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods and filter systems to minimize hazardous by-products.
1 of deep ocean's most turbulent areas has big impact on climate
A new study reveals that undersea mountain ranges, like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, generate significant turbulent mixing in the Atlantic Ocean. This mixing affects the overall balance of warm and cold water temperatures, controlling the strength of the Gulf Stream and its impact on global climate patterns.
Pollution amplifies greenhouse gas warming trends to jeopardize Asian water supplies
A new analysis reveals that atmospheric brown clouds over south Asia significantly contribute to observed warming, leading to the alarming retreat of Himalayan glaciers. The findings suggest that reducing air pollution could help arrest some of this melting by reducing the combined heating effect of greenhouse gases and brown clouds.
Waters off Washington state only second place in world where glass sponge reefs found
Researchers have discovered large colonies of glass sponges thriving on the seafloor off Washington state, extending the range of reef-building species into open ocean. The sponge reefs support a dense ecosystem of sea life, including zooplankton, fish and crustaceans, in a previously sparsely populated area.
How to structure a complex body plan
Researchers found that plastic morphometric characters are associated with branch level and fixed traits with colony level in Stylophora pistillata corals. This adaptive plasticity allows the formation of species-specific architecture through variable developmental routes.
Fragmented structure of seafloor faults may dampen effects
Researchers found that fragmented structure of seafloor faults and volcanic activity dampen the effects of earthquakes. This contradicts conventional wisdom about transform faults, which should be longer and more brittle.
AGU Journal Highlights -- June 29, 2007
Research reveals a 20-year reversal in water mass trends in the subtropical North Atlantic, with upper waters warming and intermediate waters cooling. This finding suggests complex mechanisms drive oceanic responses to global warming.
Borowski wins second prize in Acoustical Society of America's Best Student Paper competition
Brian Borowski, a graduate student at Stevens Institute of Technology, won second prize for his paper on passive acoustic threat detection distances in estuarine environments. His research was conducted in cooperation with the Maritime Security Laboratory and reviewed measurements of acoustical parameters to define detection distances.