A 117-year coastal temperature record at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, shows sustained warming since the 1960s. The data reveals a significant increase in water temperatures during the past few decades, with averages rising by up to 1.2?C over the annual cycle.
Physical oceanographers investigate how sea floor structure affects the Gulf Stream's meandering behavior. They discover a new mechanism, jet equilibration, where counter-currents lead to a nearly straight path.
Researchers develop a new Coupled Wave-Wind model to estimate hurricane speed and intensity, incorporating surface breaking waves. The improved model aims to enhance forecast skills and mitigate natural hazards caused by hurricanes.
Climate modeling reveals that Antarctica's isolation allows the Gulf Stream to dictate warm conditions over Europe. The Antarctic circumpolar current separates the continent from warm subtropical waters, reducing its impact on global climate.
A study suggests that CO2 fertilization may be transferring enough carbon from the atmosphere to the soil to balance the global carbon budget. Kevin Harrison's research found a CO2 fertilization factor of 1.18 for a white oak ecosystem, which could have significant implications for understanding the impact of climate change.
A team of scientists led by a URI oceanographer will extract long sediment cores from Lake Bosumtwi to study West African monsoon dynamics and tropical climate linkages. The research aims to improve understanding of Earth's climate system.
Two studies reveal new insights into climate change: a microplate in the Mediterranean Sea is found to be independent of larger tectonic plates, while seasonal changes in photosynthesis can affect global atmospheric simulations. Another study warns that oxygen isotope analyses may not accurately portray ancient climates due to changing...
Regime shifts occur when changes in ocean conditions, such as warming, affect plankton production and propagate up the food chain. Overfishing can also force a regime shift, changing population dynamics of an entire ecosystem.
Researchers from Rutgers University will follow the flow of a red dye on a research vessel for about five days to study the Hudson River Plume. The study aims to gain knowledge about where the plume goes and what it contains, with potential applications in predicting algae blooms and sewage disposal decisions.
A multinational team of scientists has found microscopic life colonized in ancient volcanic lava dating back nearly 3.5 billion years. The discovery was made in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, a location that was previously thought to be inhospitable for life.
Dr. Ballard and his team will map the ship and conduct scientific analyses of its deterioration, assessing the impact of manmade factors on natural decay. They'll also study microbial research and examine the effects of tiny microbes on the ship's hull.
A team of scientists led by UC Berkeley's Richard Mathies is developing the Mars Organic Analyzer to test for amino acid handedness, a crucial characteristic of life-based amino acids. The instrument aims to provide absolute proof of life on Mars, as detecting left-handed or right-handed amino acids could indicate biological activity.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography have received a $1.1 million NSF grant to study the impact of Earth's rotation on ocean circulation and mixing. The grant will be used to simulate the rotation of the earth and investigate horizontal stirring in the ocean caused by small eddies.
Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.
Researchers found that conservation tillage increases soil carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This method also produces more food with less land, addressing global food security challenges.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers has found that lakes invaded by zebra mussels have three times higher levels of a toxic algae and twice the levels of its deadly toxin, microcystins. The discovery raises concerns about the potential reversal of water quality gains made in recent years.
The new website will collect and organize resources such as funding opportunities, research programs, and conferences, facilitating the growth of the biogeoscience field. It will also feature a discussion forum and image gallery, supporting scientists in defining the field and addressing its future.
Researchers have discovered a new family of Atlantic corals using DNA analysis, revealing that about one-third of Atlantic corals are closely related but distinct from Pacific corals. This finding requires reevaluation of conservation priorities for threatened coral species in the Atlantic Ocean.
A researcher at the University of Rhode Island is studying small hydromedusae in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, to understand their impact on plankton communities. The study aims to quantify the feeding ecology and behavior of these jellyfish and its effects on coastal ecosystems.
A study found that warmer water temperatures increase shrimp predation rates on juvenile winter flounder, leading to local extinction. The warming trend may explain the failure of winter flounder stocks to recover in affected areas.
Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute are studying the impact of carbon dioxide on the ocean, which could help predict global climate change. The research also explores the potential for iron fertilization to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
Recent research on aerosols suggests they can have substantial impacts on local heat budgets, exceeding those of greenhouse gases. Aerosol compositions and effects are being studied for their implications on regional climate change and human health.
Scientists plan to deploy the Huygens probe to study Titan's lakes, seas, and climate. The moon's thick atmosphere and liquid hydrocarbons will provide a unique environment to understand oceanographic processes and predict climate changes.
Scientists investigate iron fertilization to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by boosting phytoplankton photosynthesis. However, the process is hindered by zooplankton consumption and limited sinking of plant material.
Researchers found that graphitic black carbon resists conversion to other forms, such as combining with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. This resistance affects carbon cycle calculations, leading to significant overestimates of burial of combustion-derived black carbon in marine sediments.
A recent study reports significant changes in ocean salinity levels, with tropical waters becoming saltier and polar regions fresher. These findings suggest an intensifying global water cycle, which could disrupt ocean circulation patterns and exacerbate global warming.
A new study reports significant changes in ocean salinity levels, with tropical waters becoming saltier and polar regions fresher. These shifts suggest an acceleration of the Earth's water cycle, potentially exacerbating global warming and disrupting ocean circulation.
Climate changes impact North Atlantic right whales by affecting zooplankton abundance, a crucial food source. Warmer conditions in the Gulf of Maine boost copepod populations, leading to improved reproductive success.
A study published in Nature reveals that a certain clam species can elongate its foot up to 30 times the length of its shell to access necessary chemicals. The clams, which live in symbiotic relationships with marine bacteria, use their extended feet to burrow extensive mines into sediment.
Researchers mapped out circulation patterns using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) to enhance understanding of the Bay-RIS system. The study provides detailed spatial images of circulation, showing that water predominantly enters the Bay through the East Passage and is supplied by the southeast during summer.
A recent study by Florida Tech researchers found minimal environmental impact from offshore oil drilling in the Arctic. The team discovered that freshwater runoff into the ocean is trapped by a layer of ice, preventing it from mixing with saltwater.
A Texas A&M University researcher is conducting a study of the Valle de Bravo reservoir near Mexico City to understand the factors contributing to its pollution. The study aims to provide useful information for the Mexican government to improve its water management practices and protect public health.
Dr. Ginis receives two-year grant to improve hurricane forecasting model and enhance storm prediction capabilities. The model, developed in collaboration with NOAA scientists, aims to better understand and predict extreme winds and heavy rain causing $5 billion in annual damages.
The URI Metcalf Institute has awarded fellowships to two minority journalists, Rodriguez and Ortiz, to develop story ideas and receive scientific training in marine and environmental science. The fellowship aims to increase the number of minority journalists trained in science who report on science-based news.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of three Prochlorococcus and one Synechococcus strains, revealing insights into their metabolic machinery and ecological niches. The discoveries may aid studies on global climate change and sustainable energy production.
Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography have sequenced the genomes of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, tiny organisms that account for up to two-thirds of carbon dioxide fixation in the oceans. The discoveries shed light on how these organisms process carbon and adapt to specific habitats, offering insights into global c...
The HOME scientists used various instruments and equipment to track ocean energy and turbulence, finding that the Hawaiian Ridge is a site with vastly increased ocean mixing. They documented undersea internal wave energy enhanced 10 times at the ridge compared to normal open ocean areas.
The Egyptian Mediterranean Sea fishery has recovered due to increased phosphorus and nitrogen in urban waste water, changing the ecosystem's productive engine. This shift has important consequences for lower food web structure and larval fish.
The University of Rhode Island's Teacher Research and Mentoring Armada program recruits master teachers for summer research experiences, mentoring, and standards-based curricula implementation. The program also enables researchers to incorporate teachers into their projects, disseminating results to the broader educational community.
Paerl was recognized for his work on understanding aquatic microbial processes, documenting linkages between atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and harmful algal blooms. He has made significant contributions to knowledge in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, promising a continuing legacy of scientific excellence.
A comprehensive NASA study found that climatic changes have led to increased plant growth globally over the last two decades. The research, published in Science magazine, attributes the increases primarily to climate change, with lesser contributions from carbon dioxide fertilization and forest regrowth.
Dr. Thomas Rossby is recognized for his groundbreaking acoustically tracked floats and innovative methods to measure ocean currents, offering new insights into the North Atlantic circulation. His work has revolutionized our understanding of physical ocean processes using sound in the sea.
Researchers have isolated a potent antifungal compound from the common seaweed species Lobophora variegata, revealing an unusual chemical structure. This discovery presents new insights into ecological interactions between marine organisms and offers possibilities for biomedical applications.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography professor and his colleague revisit the famous Miller experiment to recreate a prebiotic soup that may have been present on early Earth. The report traces the history of the experiment and highlights its significance in transforming the study of life's origin into a respectable field of inquiry.
Researchers investigate unique carbonate vents, driven by mantle rock serpentinization and supporting microbial life. The team aims to discover more fields like Lost City and explore its potential for early Earth life.
A new theory describes a fundamental pattern that unifies various ecological relationships, providing insight into species abundance and biodiversity. The theory also suggests a predictable relationship between the sizes of rock pieces and species populations.
The URI Oceanography team is conducting a two-year research expedition off the coast of Africa to investigate horizontal ocean mixing. The deployment of 92 subsurface RAFOS floats will help scientists understand eddy stirring and mixing in this poorly understood region.
The Office of Naval Research will host a venture initiative called the 'wargame,' which aims to improve the technology transition process. The game will examine venture capital decision-making and mechanisms for engaging the venture capital community.
A UCSD biologists' study links human impacts along the coast to size declines of marine snails, particularly among owl limpets and Gilded turban snails. The researchers found that human activity, not environmental change, has led to diminished size in gastropods on the southern California coast.
The KESS research team will use cutting-edge technology to study the dynamical and thermodynamical processes controlling the Kuroshio Extension and its recirculation gyre. The study's findings will have significant implications for fisheries, climate research, and understanding storm tracks.
Researchers from PISCO integrate genetics, microchemistry, and computer mapping to understand coastal ecosystems. They discover coastal hotspots with abundant food and faster growth rates, and track larvae movements using mini-flight recorder technology.
Researchers are using innovative new tools to study coastal ecosystems, including genetic mapping of marine populations and remote ocean sensing. These tools are helping scientists understand the dynamics of ocean environments and track the movement of marine species.
Phytoplankton communities fix carbon half as fast at pH 9, while dinoflagellates correlate strongly with high pH levels. Increased nutrient loading increases pH variability, affecting coastal ecosystems.
The Visualization Center at UCSD has made cutting-edge visualization technology available in the classroom, enabling students to interact with three-dimensional images and real-time data. This technology is particularly beneficial for underprivileged students who may not have access to such resources otherwise.
The URI Office of Marine Programs has been awarded a Sloan Grant to support the Census of Marine Life, a global research effort to study marine biodiversity. The program will create an international education platform, provide networking resources for scientists and communicate the importance of ocean conservation.
Researchers have found a novel group of bacteria in tropical ocean sediments that produce molecules with potential in treating infectious diseases and cancer. The discovery has opened up a new source for drug discovery, with thousands of strains available.
Scientists find that northern right whales in Grand Manan Basin are exposed to substantial amounts of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, which can cause chronic impairment and death. The toxins may affect diving capabilities, leading to poorer condition, reduced calving rates, and increased susceptibility to disease.
The Pacific Ocean's sardine and anchovy regimes alternate every 25 years, affecting the marine food web and climate. These cycles are similar to El Niño events but take place over longer time periods.
A team of scientists at the University of Rhode Island tested shallow marine systems' response to increased nutrients, focusing on eelgrass survival. They found that rapid leaf elongation and low root growth can indicate a poor prognosis for bed survival in these ecosystems.
Researchers investigate how warmer waters impact the interaction between sand shrimp and juvenile winter flounder, finding that increased water temperature allows more sand shrimp to survive and prey on vulnerable young fish. The study aims to understand the effects of global warming on marine ecosystems.