Researchers have discovered a new species of calcifying phytoplankton, Calciopappus curvus, found in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda. The species is distinct from others in its genus and boasts intricate skeletons that may aid movement or protection.
A new study reveals unexpected trends in coral reef condition and its environment, contrary to prevailing scientific expectations. The authors found that local threats such as pollution do not lead to a decrease in coral cover, and biogeophysical forcings poorly predict ecosystem-scale coral reef condition.
Researchers found that adult corals exposed to high temperatures can produce offspring better suited to thrive in changing environments. This study provides insights into the long-term consequences of climate change on coral populations.
The BIOS-SCOPE program will continue its research into the microbial ecology of the Sargasso Sea, leveraging over 30 years of data from BATS and other sources. The program brings together researchers from different backgrounds using systems biology, genomics, and marine chemistry to study organic matter cycling and microbial interactions.
A recent study using long-term ocean data from the North Atlantic Ocean reveals a decadal variability and recent acceleration of surface warming, salinification, deoxygenation, and ocean acidification. The data shows a significant increase in surface temperatures, salinity, and carbon dioxide levels, leading to an acidification trend.
A new study on free-swimming marine snails found that shell shapes and body geometries impact their swimming abilities and sinking behaviors. The researchers used high-speed photography to analyze the snails' movements, relating them to vertical migration and distribution.
A new study suggests that pulses of cooler deep water can reduce heat stress responses in corals, potentially halting coral bleaching. The research found that even short intrusions of cooler deep water can mitigate thermal stress in corals, with the effect being stronger in simulations with water from deeper depths.
A study published in Coral Reefs finds that materials in seawater affect light availability and wavelength on coral reefs, impacting photosynthesis and ecological zonation. Researchers used an instrument called a profiling reflectance radiometer to collect data profiles across Hawaiian and Bermudian reefs.
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.
Researchers found high genetic diversity within and between baitfish assemblages from different locations around Bermuda. The study suggests that the island's baitfish species are highly mixed populations with limited gene flow to other regions.
New research reveals that lionfish populations on mesophotic reefs are affected by prey abundance and water temperature. Higher densities of lionfish were found at sites with lower bottom temperatures, suggesting cold-water upwelling currents fuel the food chain in these areas.
Coral reefs optimize their photosynthetic capacities to prevailing environmental conditions, such as light availability, temperature, and nutrient levels. This adaptation allows reef organisms to respond to stresses like global climate change, with potential implications for measuring reef health and ecosystem function.
A multi-national collaborative study found that the record number of tropical cyclones in 2005 is close to the maximum number that might occur in the North Atlantic given existing climate conditions. The study used climate models to estimate this maximum number, which was found to be relatively low.