The Antarctic Ocean has seen a steady increase in sea ice cover over the past three decades, growing by approximately 6,600 square miles annually. This growth is attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation and a depleted ozone layer over Antarctica, which leads to cooling of the stratosphere and strengthening of circumpolar winds.
Biologists have recorded a significant increase in plastic litter on the seabed of the Arctic deep sea, with quantities doubling over the past decade. The main victims of this contamination are deep-sea inhabitants, which can suffer injuries, impaired breathing, and reduced reproduction due to contact with plastic.
A new study reveals that climate change will have devastating effects on the Baltic Sea, including a decline in species diversity and a rise in eutrophication. Researchers found that reducing nutrient run-off from land may help mitigate these changes.
The mission targeted the rapidly-changing Thwaites Glacier, a high-priority area for researchers. Scientists recorded new measurements to build a record of change in the Antarctic, combining them with previously gathered data.
A collection of fossil animals discovered off the coast of Florida suggests that present-day deep-sea fauna may have evolved earlier than previously thought. The fossils show striking similarities to modern equivalents, indicating that ancestors of these animals lived in deep waters for much longer than believed.
A new study predicts that sea levels will continue to rise for thousands of years due to irreversible warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The research suggests that the Earth's ice sheets and oceans will contribute significantly to this rise, with a possible increase of up to 6.8 meters in the next thousand years.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered genes in sea urchins and sea cucumbers that can change collagen elasticity, potentially leading to new ways to keep skin looking young and healthy. The study found peptides that cause rapid stiffening or softening of collagen, which could be used to combat aging-related wrinkles.
The Arctic Ocean's sea ice cover has reached its annual minimum extent of 1.32 million square miles, a new record low in the satellite era. This represents a decline of almost 300,000 square miles from the previous lowest extent set in 2007, and is approximately half the size of the average extent from 1979 to 2000.
A new study found that the area with sufficient snow cover for ringed seals to reproduce will disappear by almost 70% this century. The researchers anticipate that the loss of sea ice will lead to insufficient snow depth, causing caves to collapse and hindering the seals' ability to raise their pups.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Sea Lane Biotechnologies discovered an unusual antibody, C05, that can neutralize various flu viruses by targeting the receptor binding site. The unique antibody uses only a single loop to grab this site, making it potentially useful for developing universal flu vaccines and therapies.
A UC Santa Cruz study finds that a thriving sea otter population can lead to the growth of kelp forests, which absorb 12 times more CO2 from the atmosphere than without sea urchin grazing. This phenomenon has significant implications for global carbon sequestration.
A new study examines the impact of natural gradients in food and temperature on deep-sea species across the globe. The results suggest that temperature has a bigger impact on individual-level parameters like metabolism and growth rate, while food is more important for higher-level parameters like abundance and species diversity.
Researchers reconstruct 9,000-year record of delta's growth and find evidence of human impact on the entire Black Sea basin. The team finds that human deforestation and agriculture led to increased nutrient availability in the sea.
The Arctic sea ice extent has reached a new record low, with scientists attributing the decline to warmer temperatures. The minimum summertime extent of the sea ice is now 27,000 square miles below its peak in 2007.
The Arctic sea ice extent has reached its lowest level on record, according to a research team from CU-Boulder. The decline is attributed to warming temperatures caused by human-produced greenhouse gases, which have led to the replacement of old, thick multi-year ice with young, thin ice that melts quickly.
Researchers studied Dead Sea sediment cores to reconstruct climate conditions over the past 10,000 years, finding rapid changes between moist and dry phases. They linked pollen data to plant species that can tolerate specific temperature and precipitation levels.
Researchers from the University of Washington's Polar Science Center have made a prediction for Arctic sea ice, expecting 4.4 million square kilometers of remaining ice, barely more than the 2007 record low. They improved their ability to predict by including new NASA sea ice thickness data collected by airplane.
A recent clinical trial published in Neurological Sciences demonstrates the efficacy of Sea-Band wristbands in reducing migraine-related nausea. The study showed significant improvement in nausea scores and a high percentage of responders to treatment, supporting the use of Sea-Band as a drug-free remedy for this condition.
Researchers found that two closely related sea star species diverged around 6,000-22,000 years ago, ruling out slow genetic changes over time. The boundary between cold and warm water in the Coral Sea may have isolated a small population of ancestral sea stars.
Researchers from Lund University call for abandonment of geo-engineering efforts to mix oxygen into the Deep Baltic due to unforeseen effects. The Baltic Sea is experiencing hypoxia, and while geo-engineering schemes promise short-term improvements, they are also potentially dangerous.
A new study projects significant sea-level rise of up to 3.5 metres even at relatively low levels of global warming, highlighting the need for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Limiting warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius could halve sea-level rise by 2300.
Climate change is expected to reduce the extent of Antarctic sea ice, threatening the Emperor penguin population, which may decline by up to 80% by 2100. The study used computer simulations and statistical models to project the impact of sea ice loss on penguin demographics.
Researchers found that secondary effects from sea-level rise can lead to an equal or even higher loss of habitat than primary displacement effects in populated regions. The study projects dramatic impacts on mammal distribution due to human relocation into hinterland areas.
A new invasive species of sea crab, Dyspanopeus sayi, has established itself in the Western Mediterranean Coast, particularly in the Ebro Delta. The crabs are well-established and reproducing in the area without problems, with both sexes captured along with ovigerous females carrying eggs.
The Centre for North Sea Enhanced Oil Recovery with CO2 (CENSEOR-CO2) will develop understanding of enhanced oil recovery technology, creating a commercial use for CO2 captured from power plants and industry. The technology could store 75 million tonnes of CO2 and increase oil removal by five to 25 percent.
Harvard scientists have developed a method to identify 'sea level fingerprints,' patterns of variation in sea level changes that can indicate the source of water contributing to rising sea levels. Using a Kalman smoother, researchers can determine where glacial melting is occurring and estimate its contribution to global sea level rise.
Researchers found a weak point in the Weddell Sea where warm waters can reach the ice shelf, causing it to melt rapidly and potentially leading to ice streams draining into the ocean. This could result in an additional rise in global sea level of 4.4 millimeters per year.
A new study calculates that groundwater pumping will cause a global sea level rise of about 0.8 millimeters per year by 2050, outweighing the effect of dams. Groundwater depletion rates are projected to increase further, contributing significantly to sea level rise.
Research reveals histamine plays a central role in controlling purple sea urchin metamorphosis, regulating cell death and settlement. Histamine's presence inhibits programmed cell death, allowing larvae to mature into adult forms.
Researchers developed a novel method to distinguish sea-level fingerprints from various processes, allowing for more accurate estimation of individual ice sheets' contributions to rising global sea levels. The new approach may help estimate the current rate of sea level rise and rates of ice sheet melting simultaneously.
Researchers found a rapid sea-level rise of ~14m following the onset of the first warm period of deglaciation. Coral samples from Tahiti's reefs provide valuable insights into past sea-level changes and inform climate modeling.
A study by Duke University researchers predicts that sea level rise will change the economic landscape of Southern California beaches, with smaller beaches facing significant losses while larger ones may benefit. The study suggests that nourishment projects could help offset these losses, but at great cost.
A recent study by UBC researchers has identified the increasing presence of terrestrial pathogens in marine mammals along the Pacific coast. The team calls for improved surveillance and collaboration to monitor public health implications and reduce land-sea transfer of pollutants.
A national research team led by CU-Boulder is studying the impacts of environmental factors on Arctic sea ice decline. The MIZOPEX project uses unmanned aircraft, satellites, and ocean buoys to understand sea ice characteristics and changes in the Beaufort Sea.
Researchers analyze tension between controlling sea level rise and surface temperature changes using a model with 120 scenarios. Abrupt cooling from sea-level rise mitigation could be more damaging than increasing temperatures, and strategies differ for each goal.
A new study reveals that predation on juvenile Steller sea lions is significantly underestimated and may be preventing the population from recovering. The study suggests that predators, such as orcas, are targeting more juveniles as populations decline, leading to a 'productivity pit' where breeding females are reduced.
Research suggests that tropical sea-surface temperatures may contribute to accelerated melting of Antarctic glaciers, such as Pine Island and Thwaites, due to westerly winds. This phenomenon is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation influenced by warmer-than-usual sea-surface temperatures in the central tropics.
A new study projects a bleak future for San Francisco Bay's tidal marshes under high-end sea-level rise scenarios, with up to 93% of the bay's tidal marshes potentially lost. However, the study also highlights the importance of restoration efforts and sediment management in preserving these vital ecosystems.
A recent study suggests that increasing air pollution in the Indian sub-continent is intensifying tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea. The weakening of wind-shear patterns over the sea allows stronger storm development, resulting in more intense storms.
A new three-year study aims to better understand the Arctic ocean and sea ice system, predicting its future changes and their implications for the UK and globally. The research will investigate how the seasonal removal of sea ice cover affects winds, currents, and ocean temperatures.
Researchers project sea level rise of up to 5.5 meters by 2500 under pessimistic scenario, with accelerated rise over centuries even after emissions stabilization.
The Baltic Sea is a significant source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to a recent study by the University of Gothenburg. The sea's ability to absorb carbon dioxide without increasing acidity has decreased in some regions, while increased in others due to local variations.
The Arctic sea ice extent fell to 1.67 million square miles in September 2011, the second lowest recorded since satellites began measuring it in 1979. Scientists attribute this decline to rising temperatures caused by human-produced greenhouse gases, which is expected to lead to ice-free summers by around 2030 or 2040.
The number of sea turtles accidentally caught and killed in US fishing gear has declined by 90% since 1990, according to a new study. This drop is attributed to measures reducing bycatch in many fisheries and overall declines in US fishing activity, which have led to fewer turtle deaths annually, from over 300,000 to around 460.
A new study predicts that California beach towns will experience significant economic losses due to sea level rise, with visitor hotspots like Venice Beach facing up to $440 million in tourism revenue losses. The study also found that accelerated erosion could cause up to $540 million worth of damage at San Francisco's Ocean Beach.
A new coral dating method developed by WHOI researcher William G. Thompson provides accurate age estimates for fossil coral reef skeletons in the Bahamas, revealing that sea levels were less stable than previously believed. The study suggests that a similar scenario to the Last Interglacial could occur if current warming trends continue.
A team of experts recommends ending most commercial fishing in the deep sea due to their unsustainability. The study suggests redirecting subsidies to rebuild fish populations in closer-to-coastal waters.
Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.
Scientists used a computer-generated global climate model to show that polar sea ice can recover if the planet cools again, even if it's completely lost due to warming. The research suggests that there is no 'tipping point' beyond which the ice cannot recover.
The new device, called Sea-PAP, is designed to be an affordable and simple Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (B-CPAP) device that provides breathing support to premature infants. Sea-PAP has the potential to save thousands of infant lives worldwide by reducing respiratory distress.
Tropical Storm Muifa is filling the Yellow Sea with its cloud cover, stretching from China to South and North Korea. NASA satellites captured images showing strong thunderstorms around the eye of the storm, with the heaviest rain falling east of the center.
The Census of Marine Life project has identified human activities affecting deep-sea habitats, including waste dumping, resource exploitation, and climate change. The study predicts that these impacts will lead to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption in the short and mid-term.
A University of Arizona-led team found that rising sea levels during the Last Interglacial Period were primarily driven by melting ice sheets, rather than thermal expansion. The study suggests that even small amounts of warming may have committed to more ice sheet melting, and sea levels will continue to rise for a long time.
Researchers found that sea urchins have limited effect on controlling invasive seaweeds like Caulerpa racemosa and Lophocladia lallemandii in the Mediterranean. High sea urchin densities can limit their establishment, but they exert no control in highly invaded areas.
Researchers found that the Slessor glacier in Antarctica has not thinned significantly since the last ice age due to a large trough in the land. This discovery will help scientists improve their understanding of how ice sheet movements affect sea levels, enabling more accurate projections of future change.
Researchers found that sea urchins have photoreceptors on the tip and base of their tube feet, allowing them to react to light and potentially use the shadow cast by their skeleton for direction. This unique system enables sea urchins to navigate and function in their surroundings despite lacking eyes.
A ban on fisheries discards in the North Sea is expected to promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research. The study compared long-term data sets on cod, haddock, saithe, and herring in the North Sea with those in Norwegian waters, where a discard ban was introduced in the late 1980s.
Researchers have linked the fastest sea-level rise in 2,000 years to increasing global temperatures. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that sea level rose by more than 2 millimeters per year on average since the late 19th century.
A recent study found that the rate of sea level rise along the US Atlantic coast is the fastest in 2 millennia, linked to rising global temperatures. The research, conducted by a team of scientists, used microfossils and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct sea levels over the past 2000 years.
A newly constructed, 2,000-year history of sea level elevations will help scientists refine models used to predict climate-change-induced sea level rise. The record shows the past century had the fastest recorded rate of sea level rise.