Researchers found that benzene and toluene emitted by ocean plankton contribute significantly to aerosol production, increasing organic aerosols by up to 80% in the Southern Ocean. This biological origin of these gases is a significant factor in cloud formation and climate accuracy.
A new study by Nord University and ICM-CSIC confirms that high temperatures in the Arctic are promoting settlement of species from warmer areas. The study found an increase of 66% in fish species caught in Norwegian and Barents Seas between 1994 and 2020.
A new study reveals that fishes in the deep ocean are likely to decrease in size with climate warming, which could have significant ecological effects. Researchers analyzed ancient fish otoliths to track changes in body size over glacial and interglacial periods.
Researchers discovered that cold-water coral reefs optimize their growth in response to ocean currents, capturing organic matter and resources. This self-organization allows them to thrive in deep environments, serving as architects of ecosystems and habitats for diverse species.
A new study reveals that global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons, such as corals and sea urchins. The researchers found a clear pattern showing that species with high levels of magnesium in their skeletons become more common with warmer seawater temperatures.
Researchers have discovered that marine diazotrophic bacteria contribute directly to the biological carbon pump, exporting and sequestering carbon in the deep ocean. This process was previously attributed mainly to phytoplankton, but experts now understand that these microorganisms also store carbon on the seabed.
A new study led by ICM-CSIC has revealed the complex geometry of the Alboran Sea faults system, which has been absorbing most of the deformation from plate collision. The research demonstrates that this region is one of the most important fault systems in the western Mediterranean and has a significant tsunami risk.
A new study reveals that plastic degradation releases organic compounds and CO2 into the water, causing a drop in pH levels. The study found that aged plastic contributes significantly more to ocean acidification than new plastic, with some types of plastic releasing up to 0.5 pH units.
A recent study has revealed that the great current diversity of eukaryotes is largely due to the large number of habitat transitions between sea and land over millions of years. Microbial eukaryotes have made hundreds of leaps from one habitat to another, allowing them to occupy vacant ecological niches.
A study led by ICM-CSIC finds that mass mortality events caused by marine heatwaves affected all Mediterranean regions between 2015 and 2019, resulting in recurrent mass mortalities throughout the period. The research highlights the significant positive relationship between the duration of heat waves and the incidence of mortality events.
Researchers warn that climate change will cause significant food losses in tropical coastal communities due to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The study predicts greater losses for fisheries than agriculture, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation.
Researchers found that global warming is accelerating the water cycle, leading to increased storm intensity and ice melting at the poles. Satellite data revealed a significant increase in surface salinity, indicating a stronger interaction between the atmosphere and ocean.
A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.