A University of Maryland researcher discovered that churning along the edge of the Gulf Stream can mix water across the current, influencing weather, climate, and fisheries. This finding has significant implications for understanding ocean circulation, biology, and potentially climate.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have engineered thale cress to improve water-use efficiency and salinity tolerance, a trait that can be applied to other plants to address future food shortages and climate change impacts.
Researchers studied ocean water properties beneath Ross Ice Shelf, revealing four distinct water column regions with varying temperature and salinity structures. The findings suggest the presence of enhanced diffusion, potentially modifying cavity circulation, which is tidally modulated.
Using highly novel techniques, researchers observed upper ocean currents of approximately 0.1-10 km in size, critical for controlling heat and carbon movement between the ocean and atmosphere. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of small-scale ocean and climate processes with impacts globally.
Researchers apply temperature swing solvent extraction technique to attain energy-efficient ZLD, a major advance for global water management. The process extracts water from high-salinity brines without boiling, using low-polarity solvent and moderate temperatures.
Researchers found that Europa's ocean could have been formed by tidal forces or radioactive decay, leading to a potentially habitable environment. The team's models suggest that the ocean's composition became more Earth-like, with high concentrations of carbon dioxide and calcium, making it suitable for life.
The new FOCI system allows for high-resolution ocean and climate modelling over centuries to millennia, enabling researchers to study natural climate fluctuations and anthropogenic climate change. With its modular design, FOCI can be configured to investigate various research questions and improve the accuracy of model simulations.
The BlueSwell program provides a comprehensive early-stage incubator for bluetech innovations, offering $35,000 in grants and mentorship from industry experts. The initiative aims to foster sustainable use of the ocean through innovative solutions in offshore renewable energy, sustainable seafood, and more.
The Arctic Ocean is projected to absorb 20% more CO2 by the end of the 21st century, leading to stronger ocean acidification. This increase in CO2 will negatively impact calcifying organisms such as mussels and corals, having serious consequences for the entire food chain.
A new report by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that marine renewable energy devices are unlikely to cause harm to marine animals or environments. The study found that small numbers of operational devices may not significantly affect marine ecosystems, but further research is needed to confirm this.
A new study suggests that the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide will slow down as global emissions decrease, due to the slowed growth rate of atmospheric CO2. This could lead to a decrease in ocean carbon uptake and an increase in atmospheric CO2, contributing to additional warming.
Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze ocean conditions and identify regions where objects are likely to converge. The technique uses data-driven ocean modeling and prediction systems to uncover hidden 'traps', providing first responders with a new perspective for search-and-rescue operations.
The study found that global mean climate velocities in the deepest ocean layers have been 2-4 times faster than at surface over the past 20th century. Climate velocities are projected to continue accelerating even under strong greenhouse gas emission mitigation scenarios, posing significant threats to deep sea biodiversity.
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.
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.
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.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that stressed wood frogs are more susceptible to lethal ranavirus infections in salinity-rich environments. The findings suggest a link between environmental stress and increased disease vulnerability, with implications for wildlife conservation and mass die-offs.
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.
A new study shows that salt-tolerant bacteria can be used to enhance salt tolerance in various plant types. Researchers found promising initial results with Kentucky Bluegrass, increasing yield 8.4 times in dry weight compared to control plants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists at Rice University found that low-salinity brine can create emulsion droplets in crude oil, enhancing oil recovery. The research also revealed the wettability of rock determines how easily it releases oil.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to analyze the performance of pore-filled ion-exchange membranes in reverse electrodialysis. The 'Conductive Traveling Length' concept enabled accurate prediction of ion transfer and performance, impacting commercialization of salinity gradient power technology.
Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have found that blue catfish, an invasive species in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, can survive in waters with high salinity levels. The study suggests that these fish may be able to expand their range into mainstem Chesapeake waters and new Bay tributaries.
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.
Researchers discovered a unique mechanism involving calcium, auxin and a calcium-binding protein that regulates plant growth. This interface determines how plants grow in response to environmental signals like light, humidity and salinity.
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.
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.
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 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 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.