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.
W. Stanley Wilson, founder of NASA's Oceanography from Space Program and organizer of the international coalition supporting the Argo observing system, is recognized for his key role in these initiatives. He will be formally recognized on February 13, 2018, during a ceremony at the Ocean Sciences Meeting.
A new study from the University of California San Diego suggests that the moon's interior is likely very dry, contradicting recent findings of wetness. The researchers analyzed fragments of the 'Rusty Rock,' a lunar rock collected during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.
Andone C. Lavery has been recognized for her work on zooplankton and physical microstructure using broadband acoustic measurement methods, providing new understanding of ocean physical processes and marine biology. The award also acknowledges her Arctic oil spill research, which shares similarities with Walter Munk's ATOC work.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a framework that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to navigate strong currents with greater energy efficiency. This improvement allows AUVs to gather data for longer periods, revolutionizing oceanography research.
Scripps researcher Nick Pizzo found the exact location on a wave where a surfer gains maximum speed, enabling better forecasting of weather and climate. The study also sheds light on the energy transfer between waves and the atmosphere.
New research aims to understand falling sea levels in the Dead Sea, with potential impacts on the environment and local economies. The study will use historical and present-day data, along with numerical models to predict future levels and assess government responses.
A massive surface melt event occurred on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in 2015-2016, with melt episodes spanning most of the Ross Ice Shelf. The study suggests that strong El Niño events may become more common, leading to increased ice sheet instability and potential sea level rise.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography research team discovered bacteria in marine sponges produce toxic compounds nearly identical to man-made fire retardants. The study uses genome mining and environmental DNA sequencing to identify specific genes and enzymes involved in the production of these compounds.
A study in Limnology & Oceanography Letters reveals that biological organisms achieve high population extremes in Midwestern lakes, defying expectations. Researchers found frequent records being set across variables like fish populations, plant growth, and plankton numbers, indicating a need to reassess ecological limits.
Scientists have discovered novel viruses in oceanic basement fluids, infecting microorganisms and influencing the chemical balance of oceans. The study provides insights into the origins of life and the role of viruses in shaping life on Earth.
The Association for the Sciences of Limnology & Oceanography (ASLO) announced the winners of the Nutrient Sensor Challenge, a market challenge aimed at developing affordable and accurate nutrient sensors. The Systea S.p.A. sensor won both Nitrate and Phosphate sensor categories, while the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) team receive...
Researchers confirm that the floating ice shelf is strongly coupled to the ocean below and Nares Strait, with temperatures changing with seasons and tides. Temperature data shows warming of ocean water at an average rate of 0.03 degrees Celsius per year, consistent with adjacent studies.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed underwater robots that mimic the movement of plankton to study ocean currents and marine life. The robotic plankton, also known as M-AUEs, were deployed in a swarm to capture a three-dimensional view of the interactions between ocean currents and marine life.
Researchers have discovered a new species of ruby seadragon in the wild, showcasing its intense red color and distinctive features. The fish lives at depths of over 50 meters, beyond recreational diving limits, and relies on its red color for effective camouflage.
Researchers discover Ruby Seadragons lack ornate leaf-like appendages, a feature previously considered distinguishing to all seadragon species. They also found that the fish have prehensile, curled tails, similar to those of seahorses and pipefish, which may aid in holding on to objects in high-surge waters.
Scientists discovered a seismic belt in the downgoing slab of the Pacific Plate, triggered by the sudden release of water due to temperature changes. The findings suggest that earthquakes occur when the mantle releases its water, which is correlated with the subduction rate and slab temperature.
New research summarizes what is known about oil in the ocean after a spill, including the impact of chemical dispersants. Investigators highlight the importance of studying extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to improve response to future oil spills.
A study published in Oceanography presents a concept for large-scale industrial cultivation of marine microalgae to reduce fossil fuel use and generate nutritious animal feeds. Growing enough algae to meet current global liquid fuel demand would require an area roughly three times the size of Texas.
Research findings from LSU and other institutions reveal devastating effects of the oil spill on coastal habitats and wildlife. The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative has funded numerous studies to better understand future large-scale perturbations and develop response strategies.
A new study by Scripps Institution of Oceanography has discovered that large earthquakes on one fault can trigger large aftershocks on separate faults within minutes. This finding has significant implications for earthquake-prone regions like California, where complex fault systems may lead to mega-earthquakes.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that ominous background music in shark documentaries hinders conservation efforts by negatively rating sharks. The study suggests documentary filmmakers should consider the soundtrack's impact on viewers' interpretation of educational content.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study found that cloudy storm tracks are moving toward the poles and subtropical dry zones are expanding, consistent with climate model predictions. The research confirms a human-caused increase in greenhouse gas concentrations and exacerbates global warming.
A new study by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography has challenged the assumption that oceanic manta rays are long-distance travelers. The research team found that these massive creatures tend to stay close to their local habitats, suggesting a high degree of residency behavior.
Scientists have developed an algorithm to characterize ripples on the ocean floor, which can help understand storm behavior. The algorithm uses fingerprint analysis to measure ripple parameters, such as wavelength and orientation, allowing for more accurate predictions of erosion, storm surge, and overwash.
Megan S. Ballard receives the R. Bruce Lindsay Award from the Acoustical Society of America for her contributions to underwater acoustic propagation modeling and inversion techniques in acoustical oceanography. The award recognizes her research on sound field calculation in complex underwater environments.
Scientists will simulate an emission from a submerged carbon dioxide storage reservoir in the North Sea, using acoustic and chemical sensors to detect released CO2. The goal is to develop innovative technology for detecting and quantifying CO2 emissions in the marine environment.
A new climate model developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison can better predict changes to the ocean-carbon sink, a crucial factor in understanding future climate change. The improved predictive capacity allows scientists to distinguish human-induced effects from natural variability.
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre use GPS reflections to measure sea surface height from space for the first time. This technique provides a new way to monitor ocean currents by detecting variations in sea surface height caused by currents.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that coral reef islands and atolls create 'biological hotspots' in the Pacific Ocean due to increased phytoplankton biomass, supporting enhanced food-webs and local fisheries. The Island Mass Effect drives ecosystem productivity and has significant implications for resource management.
Rana A. Fine, a professor at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, has been selected as a Fellow of the Oceanography Society for her significant contributions to understanding ocean circulation and ventilation. Her research spans scales from local to global, covering various latitudes and ocean depths.
Arnold L. Gordon selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society for fundamental contributions to understanding ocean interconnectedness, drawing from observations of the Southern Ocean and Indonesian Seas. Dr. Gordon's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of global ocean circulation.
Scientists at the National Oceanography Centre have discovered a new type of hydrothermal vent system, which could improve understanding of how the Earth's interior cools. The unique system, driven by hot rock and faults, was found to release significant amounts of heat and chemicals into the crust.
A computer model predicts changes in tidal water level and salinity in Bangladesh's delta region, affecting farmland and the Sundarbans mangrove forests. The model could inform decisions on irrigation and crop management to mitigate potential flooding and ecosystem damage.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Earth Science found that climate change is likely to increase the input of black carbon to the Arctic Ocean. The team, led by University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography scientist Aron Stubbins, discovered that black carbon stored in Arctic soils is being exported to the oceans.
A recent study reveals that tiny nanostructures in the exoskeletons of blue-haired tarantulas are responsible for their vibrant color. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to new ways to improve computer and TV screens using biomimicry.
A team of scientists from the National Oceanography Centre are on a six-week expedition to the Bahamas to update and acquire data from ocean instruments. This data helps make long-term forecasts of weather and climate by feeding it into models of the ocean and atmosphere.
Research reveals that hydrothermal vent systems convert long-lived organic carbon into more readily available forms, balancing the continuous supply from surface oceans. This mechanism addresses the long-standing question of why deep ocean dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels remain constant.
Scientists have discovered that the gut microbiome of right whales and other baleen species shares traits with both cows and meat-eating predators. This dual microbial community enables whales to digest not only copepods but also their chitin-rich shells, providing a significant nutritional benefit.
Copepods, tiny crustaceans that form the base of marine food webs, rely on omega-3s to survive. The new study found that copepods are resilient to short-term climate change but their long-term survival is threatened by reduced food supply.
A team of UK scientists has created the first three-dimensional picture of a submarine canyon habitat using marine robotics and ship-based measurements. The expedition used unique robot technology to collect data in hard-to-reach areas, leading to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes.
Three American scientists have been awarded the prestigious International Balzan Prizes for their outstanding contributions to the fields of art history, economic history, astroparticle physics, and oceanography. Hans Belting, Joel Mokyr, Francis Halzen, and David Karl will share a total prize amount of $3 million.
Researchers from the Canadian Museum of Nature and Fisheries and Oceans Canada describe a new species of giant file clam, Acesta cryptadelphe, found in deep waters off Newfoundland. The clam is genetically distinct from other known species, with characteristics similar to scallops.
The National Oceanography Centre has launched a robot technology to measure UK's marine wildlife in the Celtic Sea, working with WWF. The two vehicles will investigate why certain areas are attractive to marine predators like dolphins and seabirds., The mission aims to increase understanding of marine animals' habitats and behaviors.
Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography accurately mapped the 7.8-magnitude Nepal earthquake's movement, revealing a three-stage rupture process that poses significant seismic risks to the region. The study will serve as an important benchmark for understanding future seismic risks in the Himalayan region.
A new study reveals that chemical-laden plumes from hydrothermal vents can be traced across the Pacific for over 4,000 kilometers and impact global ocean chemistry. The iron transported by these plumes has the potential to serve as a key life-sustaining micro-nutrient in the surface oceans of Antarctica.
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre discovered that abyssal sea anemones can consume animals weighing up to six times their own weight, taking up to 80 hours to digest. The study used time-lapse photography and technology from UK's deepest diving robot-sub to observe behaviors.
The National Oceanography Centre is part of a European Union-funded consortium providing a world-class marine monitoring and forecasting service. The NWS service will utilize data from six research organisations to predict the shelf sea environment, benefiting social and economic interests.
Dr. Carl Wunsch, a pioneer in ocean acoustic tomography, is recognized for his distinguished research on sound and the sea. His work has greatly improved our understanding of sound propagation in the ocean.
Scientists at the National Oceanography Centre have discovered a new fundamental rock property that allows electricity to flow more easily through sedimentary rocks in the vertical direction. This finding will improve the interpretation of geological fluid flow from geophysical surveys.
The study highlights seven potential benefits of pairing territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) and marine reserves, including increased fish abundance, reduced IUU fishing, and improved conservation. TURFs grant exclusive access to designated areas, promoting local ownership and conservation measures.
A study published in Nature reveals that ocean circulation is driving decadal-scale climatic change, with a potential half-degree cooler phase bringing drier summers in Britain and Ireland. The Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) influences temperature, rainfall, drought, and hurricane frequency worldwide.
A new database of coastal flooding in the UK has been launched, providing crucial information to prevent future flooding events. The 'SurgeWatch' database contains data on 96 large storms and their impact on UK coastlines.
A recent study found that thawing permafrost in Siberia is releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere, which is then consumed by microbes and released as carbon dioxide. This process accelerates global warming and creates a runaway effect. Scientists are now studying the impact of this phenomenon on climate change.
A new study reveals that the thickness of Antarctica's floating ice shelves has decreased by as much as 18 percent in certain areas over nearly two decades. The accelerated losses are attributed to climate change, with some ice shelves losing up to half their volume within the next 200 years.
Researchers found that Puget Sound's water has an average pH of about 7.8, making it acidic for seawater, and is already higher in dissolved carbon dioxide than the Earth's atmosphere. The lab's unique location allows for studying adaptation to these changes.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a new species of seadragon, the 'Ruby Seadragon,' through DNA and anatomical research. The species, Phyllopteryx dewysea, has bright red coloration and is believed to inhabit deeper waters.
A network of nine reference sites off Australia's coast provides multi-decadal data on the country's coastal waters. The network, known as IMOS National Reference Stations, allows scientists to track changes in oceanography and ecosystems.
The new journal ASCMO addresses the need for an outlet to publish statistical methodology work in climate change and atmospheric/oceanic applications. It will feature accessible articles on scientific advances and statistical methods for interdisciplinary researchers.
A recent study revealed a significant increase in anthropogenic nitrate levels in the North Pacific Ocean over the past 30 years, primarily due to enhanced atmospheric deposition. This shift in nutrient availability may favor certain marine organisms and alter the base of the marine food web.