A team of FSU researchers has found that newly uncovered Arctic landscapes are feeding lakes and streams with rich carbon sources, which is then degraded by intense sunlight. This discovery sheds light on the carbon cycle and its impact on climate change and the types of life these environments may support.
A new study found that low oxygen levels and warm temperatures have a strong negative impact on fish diversity in the Gulf of California. Despite these conditions, some species can survive due to adaptations. The research has implications for managing deep-sea ecosystems as climate change occurs.
Dr. Taro Takahashi received the award for his six-decade research career on global ocean uptake of carbon dioxide emissions and biogeochemistry. He was also recognized for his community service and mentorship to colleagues and junior scientists.
Dr. Larry Mayer, a renowned expert in physical oceanography and ocean acoustics, has been selected as the first recipient of the Walter Munk Medal. His groundbreaking research and technologies have transformed various fields of ocean science.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a pioneering marine biologist and educator, has been awarded the first-ever Mary Sears Medal for her groundbreaking work on biodiversity and rocky seashore ecology. Her contributions to restoring ocean health and sustainable fisheries have had a lasting impact on the field of marine biology.
A study found that microplastics transfer through the food chain in coastal ecosystems, impairing fish growth. Organisms also fail to detect DDT-laden microparticles, increasing exposure risks.
A collaborative conservation approach involving government agencies, researchers, and nonprofits has led to a significant recovery of Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands. The population increased by nearly threefold over 10 years, with rapid growth due to an increase in new, younger fish joining the aggregation.
A study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that atmospheric river storms (ARs) pose a significant flood risk in the West, causing nearly $51 billion in damages over 40 years. The majority of these damages were caused by just ten ARs, with some areas experiencing over 99% of flood damage from ARs.
A 40-year study of Lake George's deep waters reveals significant increases in salt and nutrients, but at concentrations still too low to cause harm. The findings serve as an early warning for potential impacts on streams, wetlands, and shallow waters, suggesting a shift in research focus.
Two new studies analyze the role of warming oceans and local conditions in shaping lobster populations, suggesting a period of decline for the Gulf of Maine fishery. The American Lobster Settlement Index provides an accurate prediction of lobster abundance four to six years later.
A new multidisciplinary study examines projected changes to the Santa Barbara coast and provides recommendations for adaptation. Key impacts include rising temperatures, increased flooding and erosion, and more frequent droughts.
A study found that Kīlauea's 2018 eruption injected millions of cubic feet of molten lava into nutrient-poor waters, stimulating an extensive plume of microbes. The bloom was driven by high concentrations of nitrate, brought to the surface ocean through heat from lava input.
Scientists have discovered a day-night rhythm in sulfonate metabolism, reflecting the activity of photosynthetic organisms in the open ocean. The study uses phytoplankton and ocean bacteria to track sulfur-based metabolism, providing insights into the global carbon cycle.
Research finds that a warming planet will alter ocean waves along more than 50% of the world's coastlines, leading to significant implications for coastal flooding and erosion. The study projects changes in wave patterns under different climate scenarios, with some areas experiencing increases in mean wave heights and others decreases.
Researchers from Harvard University and the UK's National Oceanography Centre corrected historic sea surface temperature measurements, identifying two new key causes of warming discrepancies in the North Pacific and North Atlantic. The study suggests that changes in Japanese records, particularly truncation of data, contributed to the ...
Researchers discovered thriving bacterial communities in ancient, isolated brine samples from an Alaskan cryopeg. The findings provide insights into the potential for life on Mars and other planetary bodies.
Dr. Paula S. Bontempi has been selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for her groundbreaking work in satellite-based ocean ecology. Her dedication to advancing the field through innovative projects and mentorship has made significant contributions to ocean research and education.
Dr. Robert A. Holman's work on developing remote sensing tools and advancing coastal understanding earned him Fellow status from The Oceanography Society. His sustained leadership enabled the nearshore community to collectively advance oceanography and coastal engineering questions.
Dr. Lindstrom's leadership in combining space and in-situ systems has facilitated large ocean field campaigns, while fostering international collaborations to study the ocean's role in the global climate system. He has also supported early career scientists through initiatives like MPOWIR.
Dr. Ackleson's research on phytoplankton optical properties has led to the development of radiative transfer models and optical sensors commercially available today. He has also played a key role in shaping national strategies for ocean research, observation, and technology development.
Dr. Clare E. Reimmers selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society for advancing sedimentary redox chemistry and microbiology using oxygen, pH, and pCO2 microelectrodes. Her work has significantly impacted our understanding of global carbon cycles, benthic fluxes, and seafloor energy harvesting approaches.
Dr. Roger M. Samelson has been selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for his groundbreaking work on chaotic exchange in meandering currents and large-scale ocean circulation. His research also addresses coastal upwelling and marine meteorology, showcasing outstanding skill in theory, numerical modeling, and observations.
Dr. Genin's selection recognizes his creative and comprehensive studies on bio-physical interactions and marine ecosystems. He has been a leading expert on coral reef ecology and oceanography of the Gulf of Aqaba and adjoining Red Sea.
Marine invertebrates' vision is highly sensitive to oxygen levels, with reduced oxygen causing 60-100% vision loss. Most species recover visual function when oxygen levels are restored.
The Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute will survey an estimated 3 billion acres of US ocean territory over five years, utilizing next-generation instruments like ROVs and AUVs. The institute's telepresence technology will allow the public to interact with scientists in real-time, improving the efficiency of ocean exploration.
Researchers found that slight changes in oxygen levels can push zooplankton beyond their limits, leading to potential population crashes and cascading effects on food webs. The study's findings highlight the importance of monitoring ocean oxygen levels due to climate change.
The DFG is funding ten new Research Units and one Clinical Research Unit to address pressing issues in hydrology, oceanography, glaciology, geology, and climatology. The units will investigate the effects of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's climate system and develop novel evaluation methods for satellite data.
A Scripps Oceanography-led study finds that small-scale fisheries in the Gulf of California are overexploited and unable to support fishermen's livelihoods. However, if fish stocks recover, total annual revenues could increase by 70%.
A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that the world's oceans have absorbed 13 zettajoules of heat energy per year between 1991 and 2016, exceeding previous estimates by 60%. This increase in ocean warming suggests that Earth is more sensitive to fossil-fuel emissions than previously thought.
The US Navy's Task Force Ocean aims to advance its tactical advantage through better understanding of the ocean environment. The initiative will increase research funding and sponsor graduate students and post-doctorates in physical oceanography and acoustics.
Scientists at Naval Postgraduate School discovered Coriolis effect influences even small ocean disturbances with high Rossby numbers, challenging fundamental fluid dynamics theories. The study found that planetary rotation determines the evolution of eddies in wakes as small as 10 meters.
A team of researchers has identified the genetic basis for the production of domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms. The study's findings suggest that changes in oceanic conditions, such as phosphate limitation and increased carbon dioxide levels, can trigger toxin production.
Dr. Annick Bricaud received the 2018 Jerlov Award for her pioneering work in ocean optics, covering experimental and theoretical studies on seawater optical properties. Her research has been widely cited with over 11,400 citations, and she is a pioneer among female researchers in optical oceanography.
A new study reveals that even deep coral reefs in Palau are exposed to thermal stress at intervals different than those near the surface. By combining sea level and temperature data sets, researchers developed a forecast tool for predicting temperature stress on corals up to 150 meters below the surface.
Research reveals a significant shift from clear to murky lakes in the continental United States over the past five years. Murky lakes have increased by 12% while clear lakes declined by 18%, posing concerns for water quality and aquatic life.
A NOAA-funded team of scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of Delaware discovered the missing 75-foot stern section of the USS Abner Read in 290 feet of water off Kiska Island. The finding sheds light on the little-known episode in WWII history where 71 US Navy sailors lost their lives.
A new study by Florida State University researchers has found that tiny phaeodarian organisms in the ocean's twilight zone are consuming up to 20% of sinking, carbon-rich particles before they reach the deep ocean. This discovery suggests a significant impact on Earth's carbon cycle and challenges current climate dynamics.
The East Coast Oceanographic Consortium will operate a new oceanographic research ship with improved science labs and state-of-the-art technologies. The vessel will support scientific studies, educational opportunities, and outreach to the public, enhancing the nation's Academic Research Fleet.
PharmaMar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesian Oceanographic Research Center to study Indonesia's marine biodiversity for new antitumor compounds. The collaboration aims to develop cutting-edge technology and address unmet medical needs in cancer research.
A recent study has identified certain types of bacteria and viruses that are readily ejected into the atmosphere when waves break, while others are less likely to be transported. This discovery sheds new light on the potential health risks associated with breathing in ocean microbes and other biological material.
A new virus has been discovered in the waters of Oahu, Hawaii, which infects common marine algae and contains the largest genome ever sequenced for a viral infection. The virus, named TetV-1, appears to have picked up genes from its host, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen conditions.
Research led by Dr. Soren Brothers found that Lake Superior absorbs atmospheric CO2 from May to October, but expels it during winter due to El Niño events and climate change. The study, published in Limnology and Oceanography, suggests a potential marine-atmospheric feedback loop with global warming.
A new study reveals that tidal wetlands and estuaries bury the majority of carbon in coastal waters, with 80% of it being stored. This finding helps establish how coastal waters influence atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and climate.
A new study published in Limnology and Oceanography Letters shows that lake size and nutrients significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions from lakes into the atmosphere. The research found that methane, emitted from lakes in bubbles, is the dominant greenhouse gas coming from lakes globally.
Researchers have found that ocean acidification impairs phytoplankton's access to iron, a crucial nutrient for growth. This discovery highlights the critical impact of rising CO2 levels on marine food webs and global carbon cycling.
Researchers from University of Texas at El Paso discover that high desert winds disperse small invertebrates and colonize hydrologically disconnected basins. The findings have large implications for understanding the wind-aided dispersal of freshwater organisms, which are crucial to the food web.
New research confirms maritime winds displace seal pups by hundreds of kilometers during their first winter migration. The study found that strong winds can increase pup displacement, but the impact on survival is unclear.
Researchers have detected snapping shrimp off the Oregon coast and believe their loud clicking noise may attract eastern Pacific gray whales. The crustaceans are typically found in warm waters but were previously unknown to inhabit the cooler coastal areas.
Scientists recorded over 4,500 sounds from tagged blue whales to analyze their calling patterns and behaviors. The study found that male whales were chattier at night, producing more calls than females, which may aid in reproduction.
Researchers have discovered that narwhals congregate near glacier fjords with specific physical properties, suggesting a preference for freshwater environments. The study aims to better understand the impact of climate change on these elusive marine mammals.
Researchers from NSF LTER sites present findings on coastal and ocean ecosystems, including salt marsh resilience and the impact of sea ice patterns on penguin populations. The study also investigates the diet of blue whales in the California Current and the effects of El Niño events on marine ecosystems.
Dr. Heidi M. Sosik has made significant contributions to phytoplankton ecology and sensor development, with notable applications in monitoring harmful algal blooms and promoting ocean science education. She will be formally recognized as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in February 2018.
D. James Baker was selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for his foundational role in establishing the organization and providing leadership to the nation's ocean science and policy communities. He has made significant contributions to physical oceanography, climate science, and environmental measurement technology.
Dr. James N. Moum selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for his outstanding contributions to widely used observational techniques and understanding of ocean mixing over a broad range of processes and scales. His work has elucidated the impact of turbulence on various spatial and temporal scales.
Scientists studying seawater's viscosity are investigating its impact on marine life. The two-year project aims to improve understanding of nutrient cycling and food webs in the oceans.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the average temperature of the global ocean using noble gases in the atmosphere. By analyzing air bubbles trapped in ice cores, scientists can calculate the average global ocean temperature with high precision, providing insights into past climate cycles and modern ocean changes.
Researchers discovered that peacock spiders' intense rainbow iridescence emerges from specialized abdominal scales with airfoil-like microscopic 3D contour and nanoscale diffraction grating structures. This finding may inspire new color technology for applications such as space missions and wearable chemical detection systems.
A new instrument called CaPASOS will be used to measure CO2 levels in the air and surface of the ocean in remote regions. This will provide valuable data on carbon dioxide uptake by the ocean and its impact on climate change.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography will develop an advanced ocean and atmosphere simulator to replicate complex ocean conditions and generate gale-force winds in a controlled setting. The simulator will help researchers understand how pollutants and climate change affect marine animals, plants, cloud formation, and the planet.
James R. Ledwell's pioneering work on oceanic mixing and air-sea gas exchange earned him a spot among the Oceanography Society's esteemed Fellows. His groundbreaking techniques, including the deliberate tracer release experiment (TRE), have significantly advanced our understanding of ocean circulation.