The deep ocean is warming at a slower rate than the surface, with climate velocity accelerating to 11 times the present rate in waters between 200-1000 metres by the end of the century. This poses huge challenges for protecting areas and mitigating threats to deep-sea life.
Researchers at MIT and WHOI have developed a lightweight instrument that can measure both physical and biological features of the ocean's vertical layers. The EcoCTD uses a combination of sensors to capture data on temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll content, providing insights into nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration.
A Texas A&M-led study analyzed ocean floor sediment cores to reveal the relationship between deep ocean oxygenation and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels over the past 50,000 years. The research found that enhanced storage of respired carbon in the deep ocean occurred during periods of low atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Researchers discovered that sea-ice changes are the most probable cause for the cooling of surface waters in the Southern Ocean. Simulations show that stronger winds propelled sea ice into the open ocean, enhancing freshwater transport and creating a stratified seawater layer with reduced heat exchange.
Research suggests that global warming could disturb the Indian Ocean's surface temperatures, triggering an Indian Ocean El Niño similar to the Pacific Ocean phenomenon. This could lead to new climate extremes, including disruption of monsoons over East Africa and Asia.
CU Boulder researchers developed a method to predict ocean acidity up to five years in advance, providing crucial information for fisheries and communities. The new approach leverages historical climate model forecasts to improve prediction accuracy.
New research reveals that up to 93% of North Atlantic Subtropical Mode Water has been lost in the past decade due to ocean warming, weakening its ability to absorb heat and carbon dioxide.
A new study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals the ocean's biological carbon pump is more efficient than previously estimated, capturing twice as much carbon as thought. This discovery has significant implications for future climate assessments and policy.
A new study reveals frequent disruptions to North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) stability during warm climate interglacials, contradicting previous notions of relative stability. The high-resolution sediment record suggests that large perturbations in ocean circulation are more easily triggered than previously thought.
Researchers find historically rare events in Indian Ocean have become more frequent and intense, with potential dire impacts on Australia's climate. The study uses coral records to reconstruct variability over the last millennium, providing new insights into how the Indian Ocean interacts with ENSO.
New research reveals a worrying change in Indian Ocean surface temperatures, putting southeast Australia on course for increasingly hot and dry conditions. The study, led by Australian National University, suggests that historically rare events have become more frequent and intense during the 20th Century.
Sea turtles eat ocean plastics due to their smell, which is caused by a coating of algae and microorganisms on the plastic. This can lead to blockages in their digestive systems and even illness.
Researchers developed a new estuary box model to simulate river plumes and outflows, improving ocean model performance. The CMCC EBM model successfully reconstructed river plumes and improved forecast accuracy in the Mediterranean Sea.
Researchers found that warmer waters increase the frequency and intensity of snapping shrimp sounds, which could dominate coastal ocean soundscapes. This might impact fish communication, human sonar instruments, and even Navy mine detection systems.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Antarctic sea-ice played a crucial role in past climate transitions, storing extra carbon in the deep ocean and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Sea ice formation increases storage of carbon in the deep ocean, leading to a 30 ppm drawdown of atmospheric CO2.
A new study reveals global ocean circulation has accelerated over the past two decades, with a sharp increase in kinetic energy from 1990s onwards. The acceleration is attributed to intensification of surface winds and a near 2%-per-decade rise in wind speeds.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that global cooling following a nuclear war would worsen the impact of ocean acidification on marine life. The cooling would dissolve atmospheric carbon into the upper ocean, increasing acidity levels and challenging shell maintenance for organisms like corals, clams, and oysters.
New study reveals that methane emissions from the Arctic Ocean are much lower than previously thought, with 'hotspots' releasing up to 25 times more methane than on-shore wetlands. The findings suggest that the shallow eastern Arctic Ocean is not a significant source of methane to the atmosphere.
Researchers found that upper-ocean stratification is increasing in about 40% of the world's oceans, which could have a negative impact on the marine food chain. The study suggests that global warming may be driving this trend.
A Rutgers University-led study using robotic kayaks found layers of concentrated meltwater in the ocean, revealing significant ambient melting rates near glaciers. This challenges current frameworks for analyzing ocean-glacier interactions and has implications for sea-level rise.
Researchers equipped albatrosses with loggers to monitor over 47 million km2 of the Southern Ocean, finding over 1/3 of boats without AIS were unidentifiable. The Ocean Sentinel project aims to promote independent data collection for conservation through animal innovation.
The Blue Acceleration refers to the rapid increase in human pressure on the world's ocean since the start of the 21st century. Scientists analyzed 50 years of data from various industries and found that the oil and gas sector is the largest contributor, responsible for one-third of the ocean economy.
Researchers found that Antarctic Bottom Water, a deep-water mass in the Southern Hemisphere, was disrupted from spreading northwards into the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans during peak ice ages. The study suggests that weaker circulation in the Southern Ocean during cold periods may have interrupted this process.
Researchers discovered that coralline algae can build tolerance to ocean acidification over time, providing a potential solution for coral reef survival. The findings suggest that these algae may be able to resist the impacts of climate change on coral reefs.
A new analysis shows the world's oceans were the warmest in 2019 than any other time in recorded human history. The study reveals that the past ten years have been the warmest on record for global ocean temperatures, with significant consequences for marine life and extreme weather events.
Scientists found that seasonal temperature variations in the Arctic Ocean significantly impact methane emissions, with a 43% decrease in colder conditions. This study corrected existing estimates in the methane emissions budget, highlighting the importance of considering seasonal changes in biogeochemical processes.
A comprehensive multi-year study challenges previous findings that ocean acidification will negatively impact coral reef fish behavior. The research found that CO2 levels expected by the end of the century have a negligible impact on fish activity levels and ability to avoid predators.
Gelatinous zooplankton contributes significantly to marine carbon cycle, binding large amounts of carbon transported into deep ocean. This contribution is quantified for the first time globally using over 90,000 observations.
Research reveals Pacific Ocean infiltration into the Southern Ocean around 6,000-7,000 years ago, possibly due to weakened westerly winds. This finding may signal potential impacts of climate change on the region.
Researchers found that changes in deep-water circulation occurred around 7,000 years ago, influencing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of studying past climate change and suggests future climate change could lead to increased CO2 release from Southern Ocean.
Researchers used microscopic shells to reveal that California waters are acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean average, posing a threat to the state's economically valuable fisheries. The study found decade-long changes in acidity patterns, which match the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a natural warming and cooling cycle.
A recent study analyzing over 12,000 microbial genomes found that every cell is genetically unique, defying conventional species definitions. The Global Ocean Reference Genomes Tropics database provides insights into global distribution patterns and energy sources of ocean microbes.
A new European research project, HOTMIC, aims to investigate the fate of microplastic in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study's lead researcher suggests that microplastic particles may be transported by microorganisms or marine animals, which could have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem.
Researchers have discovered a new seismic phenomenon originating at the ocean floor due to powerful storms. Stormquakes, characterized by magnitude 3.5 quakes, are caused by storm-induced pressure zones on the seafloor. The track of the storm and depth of the ocean play key roles in determining whether a stormquake occurs.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a direct link between ancient carbon, graphite particles from hydrothermal vents, and seafloor sediments. This finding sheds new light on the dynamics of the marine carbon cycle, revealing that organic carbon can be converted to graphite at vents.
The EuroSea project is an international consortium of 55 partners aiming to improve ocean observation in Europe and beyond. The project focuses on combining existing capacities, filling gaps, and making data available to users more easily.
Researchers found that a decline in ocean oxygen can break down feedback mechanisms controlling the marine nitrogen cycle, which is essential for all forms of life. The team used a data-constrained earth system model to show that extreme deoxygenation can lead to a collapse of the ocean's bioavailable nitrogen inventory.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an effective method to use underwater robotic gliders to measure sound levels over broad areas of the sea. The gliders can conduct repeated surveys of a region, providing real-time measurements of changing noise levels and helping scientists track ocean sound pollution.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute uncover forgotten metabolic pathway in ocean microorganisms, finding widespread distribution and ecological significance. The discovery provides valuable insights into the degradation of glycolic acid and its impact on global climate change.
New research reveals that surface slicks in coastal waters of Hawai'i contain a high concentration of larval fish, as well as prey-size plastics. Larval fish ingesting these plastics may face development and survivorship impacts due to toxicity and malnutrition.
Researchers found that larval fish in ocean surface slicks ingest prey-size plastics, which could impact their development and survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding complex gradients in plankton and larval fish abundance to protect these vulnerable life-history stages.
Satellites are now essential for monitoring ocean carbon levels, which helps slow climate change. The new study highlights the potential of increased satellite exploitation to fill critical knowledge gaps in ocean monitoring.
Scientists report that over one-third of ocean areas under protected status result from the annual Our Ocean Conference. The conference has driven meaningful action and elevated ocean issues on the international stage, with 4.8% of the global ocean area now protected.
New research reveals that warm ocean water is attacking the undersides of Antarctica's ice shelves, weakening their edges and making them more vulnerable to breakup. This process can lead to increased rates of sea-level rise, as ice on land flows quickly into the ocean.
Researchers have developed a novel statistical analysis to determine the global picture of how the ocean helps predict the low-level atmosphere and vice versa. The study reveals that the ocean influences the atmosphere almost everywhere in the extratropics, shedding light on regional climate prediction.
According to a new paper by OSU professor Jane Lubchenco, ocean-based activities have significant potential to help reach the 1.5-degree Celsius target by 2050. The report analyzes five categories of ocean-based solutions to reduce emissions, including renewable energy and protecting marine ecosystems.
Acting on ocean-focused emissions activities can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of changes in research, technology, and policy development could lead to a substantial reduction in global emissions by nearly 11 billion tons in 2050.
Researchers investigated carbon partitioning between iron liquid and silicate melt under high-pressure conditions using a boron nitride capsule. The new experimental result shows that the partition coefficient of carbon is several times lower than previous studies, suggesting that carbon in a magma ocean may not have been as depleted.
A new study by MBL and BIOS scientists found that hurricanes like Nicole significantly affect the ocean's biological pump, accelerating the transfer of carbon from surface to deeper ocean layers. This boost provides a crucial source of food for marine life in the deep ocean.
Researchers found that as the Indian Ocean warms, it generates additional precipitation, drawing air from other parts of the world to dilute its salinity. This results in saltier water in the Atlantic Ocean, which accelerates its circulation, providing a potential 'jump-start' for the AMOC.
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.
Researchers found that phosphate levels in the surface ocean are less abundant than previously thought, using high-sensitivity measurements. This new data improves ocean models' ability to predict climate change impacts on oceans and their ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that Asian dust brings nutrients to the ocean, affecting plankton growth and nutrient availability. The study confirms how tightly coupled plankton biology is to iron supply from the atmosphere, highlighting the need for considering atmospheric and ocean circulation variability in forecasting climate change impacts.
A new study reveals that biological processes in the polar Southern Ocean are the key drivers of carbon dioxide absorption, challenging existing assumptions. This finding has significant implications for understanding past and future climate change.
A UCI-led team has created the first high-resolution map of ocean surface phosphate, showing that marine phytoplankton are more resilient to nutrient stress than previously believed. This finding holds important implications for climate change predictions, as plankton communities can thrive even in nutrient-deficient environments.
Research reveals that horizontal and vertical circulation of carbon-rich ocean water in the subpolar Southern Ocean work together to control carbon storage and release. The study found that large gyres, such as the Weddell Gyre, play a key role in transporting carbon-containing phytoplankton out of the region.
A Rutgers-led study reveals a nearly five-fold increase in carbon dioxide absorption by surface waters off the West Antarctic Peninsula during summertime. Climate change is altering the Southern Ocean's ability to absorb CO2, which could magnify warming worldwide.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is negatively affecting diatoms, a key group of microscopic marine organisms responsible for 40% of ocean productivity. The loss of silica production and sinking ability could lead to reduced atmospheric CO2 removal and storage in the deep ocean.
A new study has found that Atlantic coccolithophores are surprisingly scarce in fertile equatorial waters, despite being abundant in subpolar and temperate regions. This discovery sheds light on the inner workings of the ocean carbon cycle and raises questions about the impact of coccolithophore populations on global productivity.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change offers a roadmap for detecting changes in the ocean due to climate change. The research found that sea temperature rise and ocean acidification have already emerged, while other impacts such as changes in ocean microbes will take several decades to a century to appear.