The Oceanography Society honors John Knauss, former dean of the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, for his groundbreaking work on fellowship programs and oceanographic education. The journal issue features articles on topics that interest Knauss, including the Law of the Sea and current research in the Pacific.
Texas A&M researchers Tom Whitworth and Alex Orsi are designing a customized cyber-atlas for the Southern Ocean, combining historical and recent data to generate tailored maps. The atlas will utilize WOCE data to establish a global ocean baseline for studying decadal variability.
Joseph L. Reid, a renowned physical oceanographer, is being honored with the Maurice Ewing Medal for his significant contributions to understanding ocean circulation and currents in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. His work has also focused on current exchanges between major oceans.
James R. Stewart, a pioneer in scuba diving, was inducted into the NAUI Hall of Honor for his invaluable work on developing training procedures and data collecting techniques. He is recognized as an expert on interactions between divers and marine environments.
Geochemist Jeffrey Severinghaus will investigate the stability of past and future climates using a new technology for extracting air samples from ancient ice cores. His research aims to decipher how methane hydrates contribute to the atmospheric methane budget and potentially trigger catastrophic climate changes.
The Geological Society of America is hosting press briefings during its annual meeting in November 2000. The events will feature presentations from experts on topics such as landslides and slope-stability problems related to gas hydrates, the Walker Lane transform plate boundary, and planetary science research. The meetings are open to...
New studies using satellite imagery reveal El Niño's disruption of the marine ecosystem, with a reduction in phytoplankton and an increase in nutrient-depleted waters off Baja California. The findings suggest that warm waters ushered in during El Niño resulted in a decline in phytoplankton, which are crucial for the ocean's food chain.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have produced the first direct three-dimensional image of a volcanic system using sound waves. The team used a two-mile long array of hydrophones to record sound signals reflected from a magma chamber beneath the East Pacific Rise, revealing a large and complex magma chamber system.
Dr. Robert Pinkel, a leading researcher in acoustical oceanography, has received the prestigious Walter Munk Award for his groundbreaking contributions to Doppler methods and sector scan sonar technology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of small-scale ocean structure.
A new wave/current/surge information system will provide accurate storm surge predictions and support evacuation plans. The system, called WAVCIS, uses offshore instruments to measure oceanographic conditions.
Actor Christopher Reeve was awarded the UCSD-Salk Institute Service Award for his tireless efforts to raise awareness of the importance of basic research for human biology and disease. The award recognized his unwavering personal campaign to increase public and legislative awareness of the need to support basic research in health.
Scientists discover a 1,800-year tidal cycle that matches recent climate change, suggesting a natural warming trend began a hundred years ago. The study suggests strong oceanic tides drive changes in climate by increasing vertical mixing, resulting in cooler climates and drought conditions.
The American Geophysical Union's 2000 Spring Meeting will feature a wide range of scientific sessions and press conferences on cutting-edge research. The conference will be held May 30 to June 3 at the Washington Convention Center, with special focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
Biologists predict that global warming and pollution will lead to more frequent die-offs of sea life, with diseases such as distemper and herpes virus spreading among marine organisms. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to understand the impacts of climate change on ocean epidemics.
Research reveals highest species diversity of planktonic foraminifera in middle latitudes, contrary to traditional model. Sea-surface temperature can accurately estimate zooplankton diversity.
The American Geophysical Union will host two major scientific meetings in 1999 and 2000, covering a range of earth and space sciences topics. The 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco will feature newsworthy presentations on hydrological issues and special sessions on biogeosciences and education.
The Terra mission marks a new era in global change research, providing unprecedented data to study climate change. The workshop brings together leading scientists to discuss new findings and challenges in the field.
Researchers analyzed fossilized emu eggshells to create a continuous vegetation record from the Australian interior extending back 65,000 years. The evidence suggests human activity led to dramatic changes in vegetation and rainfall patterns, supporting the burning hypothesis.
A long-term study of a kelp forest community found that large-scale, low-frequency events like El Nino and La Nina drive changes in the community. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how different species adapt to changing environmental conditions.
USGS scientists will present research on rare plants, including soft-leaved Indian paintbrush and island jepsonia, and the effects of invasive species like feral pigs. The symposium aims to inform conservation strategies for California Channel Islands National Park.
The US Navy's USS HAWKBILL is conducting a five-week scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean as part of SCICEX 99. The mission aims to examine geophysical, chemical, and biological properties of the Arctic Ocean, including mapping its poorly-charted floor.
Researchers discovered a deep-sea octopus that produces light in its suckers, challenging the understanding of bioluminescence among cephalopods. The study sheds new light on evolutionary transition and the potential role of light organs in attracting prey.
A 40-kilometer-long fault system has been identified directly under the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which is believed to have caused significant damage in recent earthquakes. The newly mapped 'blind-thrust' fault system stretches from downtown LA to northern Orange County and could potentially generate massive 7.0-magnitude quakes.
Researchers can now forecast long-term climate cycles, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation. By understanding these cycles, policymakers can develop strategies to lessen climate-related effects, potentially ensuring cultural survival.
Fossils of crocodile-like champsosaurs, turtles and fish found in high Canadian Arctic reveal extremely warm temperatures. The findings suggest that volcanic eruptions dumped large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
A recent study found a link between an asteroid/comet impact and the disappearance of 35 mammal species and a flightless bird 3.3 million years ago in southeastern Argentina. The research suggests that the impact may have triggered a climate change, leading to regional extinctions.
The University of Washington is launching a doctoral program in astrobiology, funded by a $2 million NSF grant. Students will study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth to prepare for finding life on Mars and Europa.
Scientists at Oregon State University have found evidence of rock-eating microbes living nearly a mile beneath the ocean floor, which could suggest similar life on Mars or other planets. The discovery suggests that conditions similar to those on Mars exist beneath the ocean floor and could support life.
Salmon returns have fallen short of expectations in Alaska, with declines attributed to natural ocean cycles and potential regime shifts. Scientists attribute the changes to shifts in phytoplankton species composition and plankton abundance.
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is building a $1.5 million ocean sciences museum with a self-guided format, featuring interactive exhibits and displays on marine research, education, engineering, and ocean operations. The museum will open in late 1998.
Researchers found that urbanization reduces stream diversity, but tolerates insects like midges, which are pollution-tolerant. Stream quality is affected by factors like road runoff, pavement pollution, and sediment, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices to preserve aquatic ecosystems.
A team of marine scientists has discovered a massive influx of hydroids, tiny predators that eat most daily production of small crustaceans relied on by fish larvae. The hydroids' presence threatens the survival of already vulnerable cod and haddock populations.
Scientists from over 20 nations will gather to discuss the processes and interactions that determine fish population production. The symposium explores topics such as overfishing, environmental factors, and recruitment dynamics to better understand the global fisheries crisis.
The International Research Institute (IRI) will distribute climate predictions several months in advance to a global network of agencies and policymakers. The institute combines the scientists and resources of two leading climate research centers, aiming to improve longer-range predictions and mitigate extreme weather.
Researchers developed a microelectrode that can measure multiple chemical species simultaneously in seawater biofilms, including dissolved oxygen, iron, manganese, and iodide. The device is hardy enough to withstand various marine settings and can detect pollutants at low levels.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have discovered a three-dimensional structure of a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish that resembles a glowing green lantern. This discovery could help make it easier to use the protein as a biomarker for studying gene expression and cell lineage.
The U.S. National Science Foundation is supporting over 145 Antarctic investigations this season, focusing on carbon cycling in the Southern Ocean, deicing dynamics of sea life, archea ecology, UV-B impact on terrestrial plants, and drilling an ice dome in West Antarctica.
A new study suggests the Yucatan asteroid impact was particularly deadly to North America due to its oblique angle, spreading energy northwest. The severe extinction intensity was highest downrange of the impact in North America.
Researchers analyzed ancient methane levels in ice cores, revealing patterns of climate change over the past 110,000 years. The study confirms high methane levels during warm periods and suggests a link between global warming and changes in terrestrial climate.
A Cornell University team found no overt response from humpback whales to the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC) simulation sounds in Hawaiian waters. The whales swam normally near the underwater speakers, with some even singing close to the speaker.