The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to support ocean observing activities from Long Island Sound to the Canadian Maritimes. The funds also support projects to improve ocean and coastal data, fisheries management, and ecosystem conservation.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to conduct long-term monitoring of environmental conditions in Central and Northern California. This funding will support protecting marine life and habitat, as well as provide easier access to regional real-time data.
NOAA has awarded $2.09 million to support ocean observing efforts in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, enhancing coastal safety and predicting ocean conditions. The funding will be administered by the University of Hawaii at Manoa to develop products for enhanced ocean use.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants totaling $21 million to support ocean observing efforts in the Great Lakes. These grants will improve real-time data accessibility, facilitate environmental monitoring, and enhance decision-making for severe weather and emergencies.
NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded over $1.39 million to support ocean observing efforts in Alaska. The award will help develop a comprehensive ocean observing system using Prince William Sound as a test bed.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded a $1.9 million grant to the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory to develop ocean observing systems in the Pacific Northwest. The project will enhance data access and inform decision-making on safety, economy, and environmental protection.
NOAA has awarded over $2.7 million in competitive grant funding to the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association to develop a comprehensive ocean observing system for the Mid-Atlantic region. The funding will support efforts to improve data coordination, forecasting, and regional data management.
At Station ALOHA, ocean acidification rates have been documented over two decades, with surface acidity growing more acidic at the expected rate from chemical equilibration. However, year-to-year changes vary on seasonal and inter-annual timescales, driven by climate-induced changes in ocean mixing.
Researchers at UBC found a mutant gene in freshwater sticklebacks that drives their tendency to relocate instead of adapting to new environments. This 'wanderlust gene' is associated with the loss of bony lateral plates and affects salinity tolerance.
Researchers from Caltech have discovered a mechanism that explains how tiny swimming animals can affect the ocean environment, creating instability and mixing large scales. The impact of biogenic ocean mixing is estimated to be comparable to wind forcing and tidal forcing.
Researchers use GM technique to contain salt in plant parts, reducing damage and increasing tolerance. The technology holds promise for crops like rice, wheat, and barley, improving global food security.
Scientists have created a high-resolution climate record from ocean sediment dating back over 500,000 years, revealing four glacial cycles and the warming of North Atlantic waters. The record provides valuable insights into the extent of ancient ice sheets and their impact on ocean currents.
The Nereus hybrid remotely operated vehicle successfully reached the deepest part of the ocean, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. The dive demonstrates the vehicle's capabilities for exploring the world's last frontiers and gathering images, data, and samples from extreme depths.
Researchers have analyzed ocean plant health using a NASA satellite, detecting red light emitted by phytoplankton and assessing their productivity. The findings provide insights into the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and can help track long-term trends.
Climate change, fishing, and commercial shipping are major threats to the ocean off the US West Coast, with every spot affected by 10-15 human activities annually. A new study provides critical information for evaluating where certain activities can continue with little effect on the oceans.
The Australian ocean glider, launched in February, successfully completed a two-month, 1,500 kilometre voyage to measure changes in the East Australian and Leeuwin Currents. The glider's sensors measured temperature, salinity, oxygen, and turbidity, providing valuable insights into Australia's $94 million marine observing network.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received two grants totaling $101,000 from the Ocean Fund to support scientific research on cruise ships and graduate student scholarships. The funding will enable researchers to study climate change, coral reefs, and ocean health.
Scientists have developed a new equation of state for seawater based on Absolute Salinity, which is expected to provide more accurate thermodynamic calculations. The new approach aims to improve the understanding of seawater's properties and its role in the global heat engine.
Scientists found that natural iron fertilization enhanced phytoplankton growth and productivity in the Southern Ocean, leading to two to three times more carbon export to the deep ocean. The research suggests that ocean islands are a key source of iron for these blooms.
The US research vessel JOIDES Resolution has been completely refurbished for IODP expeditions, enhancing its capability for cutting-edge research into Earth's past climate and biosphere. The ship will help improve scientific understanding of natural hazards, methane hydrates, and future sea levels.
Unchecked global warming would lead to a dramatic expansion of low-oxygen areas in the ocean, affecting fisheries and ecosystems for thousands of years. The team's projections show that these oxygen minimum zones could expand much more still and invade the deep ocean.
Using metagenomics, Yale scientists linked environmental factors to molecular changes in marine micro-organisms, revealing adaptations to temperature and salinity.
Researchers propose that Jupiter's gravitational pull creates powerful waves in Europa's ocean, generating significant heat energy. This could be a dominant heat source, potentially supporting life without sunlight.
Researchers have discovered that climate change affects the ocean's chemical makeup, altering calcium levels and potentially impacting marine life. The study found that the ocean's chemistry can change rapidly in response to climate changes, highlighting the need for further research on the impacts of ocean acidification.
New study reveals that despite increased wind speeds, Southern Ocean currents and upwelling patterns remain unchanged, contradicting previous concerns about the ocean's capacity to combat climate change. The research suggests that small-scale ocean eddies balance stronger winds, preventing a significant impact on carbon dioxide storage.
A new study reveals ocean acidification is occurring at a rate 10 times faster than previously predicted, posing severe threats to marine food webs and species diversity. The increasing acidity of the ocean harms certain sea animals and could reduce its ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Researchers from Penn State and University of Maryland studied Chesapeake Bay's salinity changes due to sea-level rise. They found an increasing trend in salinity, supporting the hypothesis that climate change is impacting the Bay's ecosystem.
A team of earth scientists found ocean floor geysers in the Pacific Ocean that warm flowing sea water. This discovery suggests possible marine life in a previously barren area.
Scientists have developed a novel method to study the Southern Ocean using elephant seals equipped with oceanographic sensors, providing a 30-fold increase in data recorded under sea ice. This technology complements traditional sampling methods, allowing for better understanding of climate change and its effects on global oceans.
A new study identifies a link between warming Indian Ocean and declining rainfall in eastern Africa, impacting food security. The team found that human-caused warming of the Indian Ocean leads to increased rainfall over the ocean, reducing onshore moisture flow and resulting in dry air over Africa.
Researchers found that Saharan dust storms provide essential iron minerals, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-poor regions. This discovery sheds light on how the Atlantic Ocean supports plant growth despite being referred to as an 'ocean desert',
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that internal waves can generate intense currents when traveling along continental slopes, lifting sediments and contributing to ocean mixing. These currents, called boundary flows, also play a role in larger ocean currents by bringing cold water up from the deep ocean.
New Australian research found ocean warming rates are 50% faster than previously reported, providing greater credibility to climate models. The study also improves estimates of sea-level rise and its contributions from glaciers, ice caps, and thermal expansion in the deep ocean.
A new study published in Nature finds that ocean temperatures and sea level increases between 1961 and 2003 were 50% larger than previously thought. The results show sea levels rose by 1.5 millimeters per year, equating to a 2-inch increase in ocean levels over 42 years.
The University of Delaware has received $400,000 from NOAA to continue development of an ocean observing system for the Mid-Atlantic region. This funding is part of the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which aims to coordinate ocean data collection and delivery for various applications such as storm forecasting and em...
Marine ecosystems face significant threats from climate change, including warming temperatures, nutrient supply disruptions, and ocean acidification. The paper calls for increased research funding to better assess these impacts and develop adaptation options.
Scientists at Harvard University analyzed salt deposits in Martian rock and found that the water was more likely a thick brine with salinity exceeding terrestrial life's tolerance. The study suggests that even four billion years ago, Mars' surface would have been challenging for life.
Research on ocean acidification reveals that the oceans have become 30% more acidic since the industrial revolution, with predicted pH levels dropping by 0.4 units by the end of the century. This could lead to devastating effects on marine life and ecosystems, including coral reefs and fisheries.
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.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have discovered a new climate pattern called the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, which explains changes in water temperature, salinity, and nutrients. This finding may help scientists predict how the oceans will respond to warming temperatures and ecosystem shifts.
Scientists will embark on a six-week research expedition to measure turbulence, waves, and bubbles in the Southern Ocean to improve the accuracy of climate models. The goal is to understand how gases important to climate change move between the atmosphere and ocean under high winds and seas.
A recent study reveals that dissolved organic carbon in Alaskan arctic rivers is remarkably labile during the spring flood period, challenging the prevailing paradigm. This finding suggests that riverine inputs of DOC may have a larger influence on coastal ocean biogeochemistry than previously realized.
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.
New research brings scientists closer to exploring Jupiter's moon Europa, discovering potential for life in its ice-covered ocean. Refined methods and data analysis reveal a habitable environment, with improved measurements potentially detecting compounds indicative of life.
Scientists have discovered giant mud waves in the Arctic Ocean, measuring nearly 100 feet across, defying previous expectations of calm ocean currents. The expedition aims to understand how water is exchanged between basins and how the Arctic affects global climate systems.
Scientists reveal that the closure of the Rheic Ocean created the supercontinent of Pangaea and the Appalachian Mountains, marking a significant event in Earth's history. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these geological features and their impact on climate change.
Sulfur and nitrogen emissions from power plants and agricultural activities significantly impact coastal ocean chemistry, reducing its ability to store carbon and harming marine life. The study found that these emissions can alter water chemistry by 10-50% more than acidification caused by carbon dioxide.
A call has been made for a Southern Hemisphere network of deep ocean moorings to monitor changes in the Southern Ocean circulation, which could influence global climate. The North Atlantic moored network provides measurements of the Gulf Stream, a significant feature in moderating European and North American climate.
Researchers confirm the existence of a 'supergyre' connecting the three Southern Hemisphere ocean basins, which plays a crucial role in governing global climate. The Tasman Outflow, occurring at an average depth of 800-1,000m, may influence the response of the thermohaline circulation to climate change.
BLUElink provides broad-scale information on ocean currents, temperature, and salinity for the first time, improving forecasting capabilities. The system relies on access to accurate oceanic observations, including satellite data and robotic profilers.
Scientists analyze data from the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Moon's surface to predict tropical cyclone development, assess ocean temperature and salinity changes, develop new tsunami forecasting methods, and understand lunar surface composition. These findings shed light on the impacts of climate change on extreme weather e...
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program's Arctic Coring Expedition reveals the Arctic Ocean changed from a 'lake stage' to a fully oxygenated ocean at 17.5 million years ago due to the Fram Strait's evolution into a wider passageway, allowing saline North Atlantic water in.
Scientists have identified a climate change signal in the Indian Ocean near Australia, with ocean temperatures rising by two degrees Celsius. The research linked this warming to changes in atmospheric conditions and human activity, including aerosol production and greenhouse gases.
The Southern Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide has weakened substantially over the past 25 years, with a 15% decrease per decade since 1981. Human activities are the primary cause of this weakening, which will lead to higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in the long-term.
A four-year study reveals that climate change has weakened one of Earth's natural carbon sinks, the Southern Ocean, leading to a release of stored CO2 and preventing further absorption. This 'feedback' will continue and intensify during this century, making stabilisation of atmospheric CO2 more difficult.
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the University of Washington (UW) have been awarded multimillion-dollar contracts to support the development and operations of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The OOI will establish a network of interactive, globally distributed sensors in the ocean, providing real-time data ...
A new study reveals two ancient CO2 pulses from the southern ocean around Antarctica, shedding light on Earth's CO2 cycles and their implications for climate change. The research tracked CO2 from the deep ocean to the upper ocean and atmosphere, providing insights into natural CO2 cycles and human-caused climate change.
Two studies suggest that the melting of the Greenland ice cap could significantly affect ocean circulation, leading to substantial changes in global climate. The authors analyze sediment records from past glacial periods, finding that sudden episodes of ice sheet melting may cause abrupt climate instability.
A recent study found that carbon dioxide consumed by animals and bacteria in the twilight zone is often recycled back into the atmosphere, rather than being stored in the deep ocean. This discovery adds complexity to proposals for mitigating climate change through ocean fertilization.
A new study published in Science sheds light on the dim layer of the ocean known as the twilight zone, which affects the ocean's ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide. The research found that only a small percentage of carbon transported to the depths is stored, with most being recycled in the twilight zone.