Dr. Bruce J. Peterson has made seminal contributions in oceanography, limnology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and hydrology through his use of new methods and scientific publications. His research on the freshwater cycle of the Arctic has made fundamental advances in understanding land-ocean interactions.
Researchers at the National Oceanography Centre revealed a unique cold volcanic vent in Antarctica, differing from classic hydrothermal vents. The study used high-resolution camera platforms to image the seafloor and detected a low-lying plume of shimmering water, indicating hydrothermal fluid seeping through sediment.
A new kind of pterosaur, Eurazhdarcho langendorfensis, has been identified by scientists from the Transylvanian Museum Society, University of Southampton, and Museau Nacional. The fossilized bones are approximately 68 million years old and belong to the azhdarchids group.
Microscopic ocean algae coccolithophores are sensitive to environmental changes and carbon cycle. The study found that different species responded to rapid climate warming events, with some thriving while others declined.
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre and New York University Abu Dhabi discovered corals can thrive at high seawater temperatures, up to 36 degrees Celsius. The study found special algae strains that facilitate this heat resistance, providing new insights into coral survival and potential for reef conservation.
Researchers discover that urban heat generated by metropolitan areas can cause continental-scale surface warming in high latitudes, leading to remote temperature changes. The study suggests that the influence of energy consumption should be considered in computer models to predict future climate change.
A new study reveals that human activities in cities alter atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant warming in northern Asia and North America. The study found that the 'waste heat' generated by urban areas can widen the jet stream and increase temperatures across large distances.
A new feathered dinosaur fossil found in China's Jurassic period pushes back the known origins of birds, which were previously thought to have evolved from theropod dinosaurs around 120-130 million years ago. The discovery provides additional evidence for a more complex evolution of flight.
Corals produce pigments that act as sunscreens for their symbiotic algae, removing harmful light and allowing the algae to photosynthesize. This mechanism helps corals survive in shallow water where sunlight can be detrimental to algae and hosts alike.
Researchers describe a previously undocumented type of eruption in underwater volcanoes, characterized by a unique bubble structure that defies explosive or effusive categories. The study proposes a new eruptive style, named Tangaroan, which occurs when magma forms a buoyant foam that rises to the seafloor and detaches from the volcano.
A long-term mesocosm experiment off Sweden investigates the effects of ocean acidification on plankton communities, shedding light on their ability to adapt to new conditions. The study also explores the impact of ocean acidification on the development of fish at the base of the food web.
Scientists analyzed fossil corals to expand El Nino-Southern Oscillation information, helping assess accuracy of climate models for 21st century change in the tropical Pacific. The study detected a modest increase in 20th century ENSO strength, but also found higher levels of variability 400 years ago.
Researchers found a strong rise in sea level for CO2 increase from 180 to 400 parts per million, peaking at present-day values. For future climate stabilization at 400-450 parts per million, sea level is set to steadily rise for many centuries.
Recent media reports have created a perception of a global increase in jellyfish. However, a new study suggests that these trends may be overstated. The research found that global jellyfish populations undergo concurrent fluctuations with successive decadal periods of rise and fall.
Researchers investigate four hydrothermal vent sites off Antarctica's coast to understand animal communities and their unique ecosystems. The team uses a deep-diving ROV to study the interactions between animals and the vents, which are super-heated to around 300 degrees Centigrade.
A prospectus published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A outlines key issues and research directions for UK marine science over the next two decades. The publication provides a vision for each field, addressing scientific challenges and technological advances necessary to meet them.
A University of Rhode Island graduate student is using ocean waves to study the geologic structure beneath the Earth's surface. By analyzing seismic wave velocity near an underwater plateau, scientists can infer its formation process.
Researchers found average wind speeds declined by 15% inland while remaining steady on the coast. Climate change and urbanization are potential factors contributing to this trend.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is funding 16 top scientists for pioneering research in marine microbial ecology, exploring interactions between trillions of microscopic organisms and their environment. This funding aims to make new discoveries and advance our understanding of ocean ecosystems and climate change.
Darlene Ketten, a biologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for her work on the biophysics of hearing in mammals. She is also developing ultra-high resolution imaging techniques to diagnose hearing impairments.
A team of international scientists has developed a more consistent definition of climate sensitivity in prehistoric times, which helps improve comparison with IPCC estimates. The study found that the likely range of climate sensitivity consistently has been of the order of 2.2 to 4.8 degrees C per doubling of CO2.
A new study by Matthew Widlansky and Axel Timmermann found that rainfall projections for South Pacific islands are highly uncertain due to two competing effects of greenhouse warming. The 'wet gets wetter' mechanism suggests heavier rainfall, while the 'warmest gets wetter' mechanism predicts drying in some regions.
Dr. Thomas H. Jordan, a renowned geophysicist, received the AGI Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences Award in 2013. He is recognized for his efforts to increase public awareness of earthquake processes, probabilities, preparedness, and risk at an international level.
Scientists discover evidence that Moon was born in a catastrophic collision with early Earth, releasing vaporized rock that condensed into the Moon. The discovery provides physical evidence for the Giant Impact Theory and sheds light on the Moon's composition.
A new study suggests that a massive planetary collision may have led to the evaporation of volatile elements on the moon, resulting in Earth's abundance of water. Researchers found severe depletion of zinc and other similar elements on the lunar samples, indicating a 'planetary-scale' evaporation event.
Scientists have used satellite data to reveal a geological oddity in the Altiplano-Puna plateau, where magma is forming a large blob that pushes up the earth's surface across an area 100km wide. This 'sombrero uplift' could provide insights into massive magmatic events leading to super volcano formation.
Researchers observed phytoplankton fleeing from zooplankton and even from chemical scents of predators. Fleeing helps the alga survive and makes a difference between life and death.
A Texas A&M University-led study has uncovered a new water cycle connection between the U.S. southwest and tropical regions, shedding light on ancient lakes that once filled desert valleys. The research suggests that precipitation in the region may have enhanced the summer monsoon, supporting the development of these lakes.
A British team will penetrate and sample an ancient buried lake beneath three kilometers of ice in Antarctica. The team aims to reveal secrets about the Earth's past climate and discover life forms that may exist in subglacial Lake Ellsworth.
Researchers will track nutrient water quality and examine pollution levels when sediments are stirred up by storms, creating a statistical model to inform policy decisions. The study aims to understand the role of storms in transferring excess phosphates and nitrates from rivers into coastal seas.
A team of researchers recovered sediment cores from the Pacific Ocean, revealing fluctuations in the carbonate compensation depth over millions of years. The findings suggest that climate development and carbon cycle interactions were more complex than previously thought.
A study by University of Rhode Island oceanographers and colleagues found drastically lower values for total biomass in marine sediments, reducing the estimated mass of all life on Earth by about one-third. The researchers collected sediment cores from open-ocean areas to obtain more accurate data.
A new study by Scripps researchers suggests that California heatwaves are changing due to global warming, with more humid and intense heatwaves emerging in coastal areas. The increasing trend has significant implications for the state's population living near the ocean, who may not be prepared for extreme heat despite being accustomed ...
Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography discovered how fault zones weaken in select locations after an earthquake tipping point, creating 'melt welts'. These regions can lead to runaway slip and massive earthquakes. The study addresses the 'low heat flow paradox' and may improve earthquake prediction models.
Researchers Kevin Speer and John Marshall suggest that the majority of ocean heat transport occurs in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, driven by strong winds. This finding could significantly impact our understanding of global climate processes.
A recent study by Texas A&M researchers found the Gulf Dead Zone to be its smallest size in years, with no hypoxia detected off the Texas coast. The team's analysis covered over 1,200 miles of cruise track and revealed about 1,580 square miles of hypoxia compared to 3,400 square miles in 2011.
Research found that nutrient imbalance in reef waters increases bleaching susceptibility of corals. Balancing nutrient input in coastal waters could mitigate effects of warming oceans on coral reefs.
A recent Texas A&M University study reveals that hurricanes can intensify by 50% faster when passing over large areas of fresh water, making them more devastating. The research analyzed Tropical Cyclones for the decade 1998-2007 and found a significant correlation between freshwater regions and increased storm intensity.
A new international study found that increased acidity affects shell size and weight, with a trend observed across multiple marine species. The research suggests that these changes will have significant impacts on humans and the ocean's large animals.
A team led by USC scientists has identified long-hypothesized vitamin B deficient zones in the ocean using a new analytical technique. These 'vitamin deserts' may inhibit phytoplankton growth and affect the ocean's food chain. The discovery could lead to complex interactions among microbial populations.
A team of scientists has made new discoveries about ancient meteorites, which provide clues to the early Solar System's formation. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that certain elements were present during the formation of these rocks, suggesting a late accretion process occurred earlier than previously thought.
A team of scientists is investigating the hazard posed by landslide-tsunamis in the Arctic to the UK over the next 100 to 200 years. The study aims to clarify the frequency and timing of major Arctic submarine slides and assess their impact on human society and infrastructure.
Two projects investigating the use of robot submarines to map and monitor the UK seas have received £720,000 in funding. The projects aim to inform future government policy on protecting the marine environment by generating data that will guide the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sea gliders.
The continent of Antarctica is at risk from growing threats including global warming, loss of sea ice, increased tourism, over-fishing, pollution, and invasive species. The Antarctic Treaty System faces pressure due to climate changes and natural resource interests.
James Elser, an ASU ecologist, has been elected president of the global aquatic sciences organization, ASLO. He will focus on addressing pressing issues related to freshwater sustainability and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce pollution.
Kendall L. Carder has been recognized with the Jerlov Award for his groundbreaking research on in situ optical measurements, underwater imaging systems, and ocean color remote sensing. His contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of light in the ocean.
Researchers deployed a combined sonar system to monitor fish and diving seabirds interacting with tidal turbines. The study aims to understand how water flow and turbulence affect marine wildlife, informing the development of renewable energy structures.
The Global Alliance of Continuous Plankton Recorder Surveys has been formed to standardize methods and share data on plankton biodiversity globally. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on ocean basin scales, crucial for understanding climate change impacts.
Coral growth and tissue proliferation are linked to disease, wounding, and stress-related color changes in reef-building corals. The study found that increased growth is the underlying physiological process associated with these changes.
Scientists discover that ocean eddies, not sunlight, trigger the annual bloom of tiny plants in the North Atlantic, causing it to occur three weeks earlier than expected. This finding has significant implications for marine life, as many small sea animals rely on the phytoplankton for food and their timing is critical.
Tiny Osedax worms have a unique ability to penetrate bone using acid-secreting enzymes, partnering with bacteria for digestion. Researchers discovered this chemical drilling strategy in female worms, which live in gelatinous tubes surrounded by males.
A new collaborative study between the University of Miami and Navy Postgraduate School will investigate critical oceanic processes involved in Large-Scale Eddy-Driven Patterns (LEDPs). The project aims to improve understanding of LEDPs, which can impact climate projections and transport heat, salinity, momentum, and carbon.
The US research vessel R/V Roger Revelle is participating in a nine-day port call in Da Nang, Vietnam, as part of the Joint Vietnam-US Research Program. The program aims to improve forecasts on coastal ocean circulation and land-ocean interactions in the Vietnamese East Sea.
Jan Vicente, a graduate student at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, has been awarded a NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship to investigate how ocean acidification affects sponge skeletons. The research will focus on two common Florida Keys sponges and their bacterial communities.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that Arctic methane seepage is linked to melting ice caps, causing climate warming and sea level rise. This phenomenon could lead to significant shoreline retreat and erosion along the Florida coastline, posing a serious threat to coastal residents and infrastructure.
Melting Arctic sea ice can trigger domino effects leading to severe winter weather outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon is associated with a weakening of the polar vortex and jet stream, allowing cold Arctic air masses to invade lower latitudes.
Bess B. Ward has received the 2012 Procter & Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology for her sustained influence on marine microbiology and contributions to understanding nitrogen cycling processes in low-oxygen regions of the ocean.
Research confirms long-lasting severe droughts in western US throughout history, including 200-year megadroughts in the Sierra Nevada. Scientists used advanced sonar tools and tree-ring analysis to determine precipitation levels over the past 12,000 years.
The Navy awarded nearly $4.5 million to six research projects led by Scripps Institution of Oceanography researchers, including Eric Terrill, to acquire instruments from California and Massachusetts manufacturers. The funding will support studies in coastal oceanography, deep-ocean acoustics, and other areas.
A Scripps-led study reveals that the nuisance seaweed Leptolyngbya crossbyana produces honaucins with potent anti-inflammation and bacteria-controlling properties. These compounds could one day treat chronic inflammatory conditions, bacterial infections, acne, and other skin conditions.