Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which air pollution particles form, with heavier compounds contributing most to particle formation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and predicting urban air quality.
New research models predict increased exposure and risk of human illness from ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. Harmful algal blooms and Vibrio bacteria growth are expected to rise, threatening public health and economic impacts.
Researchers found that global levels of hydroxyl radical, a critical player in atmospheric chemistry, are stable and vary by only a few percent every year. This discovery improves confidence in projecting the future of Earth's atmosphere and reduces concerns about human-caused or natural changes.
A study found that growing hypoxic zones are reducing oxygen-rich waters preferred by billfish and tuna. The shrinking habitat may lead to increased catches, giving a false impression of more abundant fish stocks.
Researchers tracked ocean temperatures in Baffin Bay using data from tagged narwhals, finding temperatures nearly a degree Celsius warmer than previous climatology data. The study highlights the importance of monitoring changes in this region, crucial for understanding the Arctic's impact on global climate.
Scientists have mapped the unexplored offshore Northern San Andreas Fault, revealing deep rifts and high walls with areas supporting animal life. The study aims to understand past earthquakes and their impact on biological diversity.
A NOAA study found that clouds exhibit oscillating patterns influenced by precipitation, creating regular rainfall events. The discovery highlights the impact of aerosols on large-scale cloud structure and climate change, suggesting a more complex understanding of interactions between aerosols and clouds.
A team will evaluate watershed sources, lake water stratification, and wind conditions to develop a predictive model for potential changes in hypoxia. The results will help identify acceptable limits for nutrient levels to reduce hypoxia in Green Bay.
Researchers are investigating how different forms of phosphorus trigger toxic algal blooms in the Great Lakes, with a focus on the blue-green algae species Microcystis. Understanding which types of phosphorus are most instrumental in stimulating bloom formation is crucial for protecting public health and the coastal ecosystem.
Researchers will develop a forecasting ability to predict toxic dinoflagellate blooms and build a mobile lab to investigate the key driver behind fish-killing algae. The goal is to provide seasonal predictions and minimize public health risks.
A $2.5 million grant from NOAA will support research on invasive species in the Great Lakes, aiming to predict future invasions and develop effective control measures.
The National Geodetic Survey is modernizing its positioning system to better capture changes in the Earth's surface, including sea level rise and subsidence. This upgrade will improve digital maps and support activities like levee construction, evacuation route design, and floodplain management.
Seamounts, previously thought to be rare, are found to be the most common ocean habitats, hosting a vast array of marine biodiversity. Researchers estimated that over 45,000 seamounts exist worldwide, covering an area larger than South America.
A large 'red tide' is expected in the New England region this spring, posing a threat to the local shellfish industry. The prediction is based on a higher-than-usual abundance of cysts from the toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense on the seafloor.
Dolphins' health is shedding light on human and ocean health. Researchers have discovered that diseases found in dolphins are similar to human diseases, providing clues into how human health might be affected by contaminated coastal water or seafood. High levels of PCBs in dolphins may be suppressing their immune function.
A new study by NOAA and international partners found that springtime ozone levels in western North America are rising due to air flowing eastward from the Pacific Ocean, primarily from Asia. The increases could make it harder for the US to meet ozone pollution standards.
The project will study the combined effects of invasive species, contaminants, excessive nutrients, sediment, and shoreline hardening on nearshore habitats. The research aims to develop scientific information for advancing management approaches and supporting policy for accelerating Bay restoration.
Scientists will investigate hypoxia's development and impact on Gulf fish populations, including shrimp and croaker. The research aims to refine management strategies for the dead zone, a critical threat to commercial and recreational fisheries.
The partnership will support 36 projects addressing coral reef health, with a focus on climate change, overfishing, and land-based pollution. The initiative aims to improve the resilience of coral reefs for future generations.
Researchers tracked fish movements through telemetry to better understand their life histories, including habitat preferences and vulnerability to fishing. The study found that certain fish gravitate to specific bottom types, such as limestone ledges, which can help prioritize reef areas for management.
Nitrous oxide emissions from human activities have surpassed those of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), threatening the ozone layer. The NOAA study found that nitrous oxide will continue to erode the ozone layer for many decades.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to support ocean observing activities from Long Island Sound to the Canadian Maritimes. The funds also support projects to improve ocean and coastal data, fisheries management, and ecosystem conservation.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System awards $973,083 to support ocean observing in the Gulf of Mexico. Three grants will enhance data portals and marine data delivery systems, making data easier to access for planners and policymakers.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to conduct long-term monitoring of environmental conditions in Central and Northern California. This funding will support protecting marine life and habitat, as well as provide easier access to regional real-time data.
NOAA has awarded over $1.2 million in grant funding to the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) to develop and adopt effective sensors and sensor platforms for environmental monitoring. The goal is to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment through enhanced coastal ocean resources stewardship.
The University of Puerto Rico's Caribbean Regional Association is receiving $899,826 in grant funding to continue supporting ocean observing efforts in the Caribbean. This project will contribute to improving safety, economic growth, and environmental protection by providing enhanced observation products for the region.
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary has been found to have one of the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the tropical Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The sanctuary is dominated by top-level predators such as large grouper, jacks, and snappers that are rare in other areas.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded a $1.9 million grant to the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory to develop ocean observing systems in the Pacific Northwest. The project will enhance data access and inform decision-making on safety, economy, and environmental protection.
NOAA has awarded $2.09 million to support ocean observing efforts in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, enhancing coastal safety and predicting ocean conditions. The funding will be administered by the University of Hawaii at Manoa to develop products for enhanced ocean use.
NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded over $1.39 million to support ocean observing efforts in Alaska. The award will help develop a comprehensive ocean observing system using Prince William Sound as a test bed.
The NOAA-led Hydropalooza project is mapping the seafloor and coastline of Kachemak Bay, providing detailed data for safe navigation and ecosystem management. The data will be used to support local planning, maritime commerce, and recreational boating in the area.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants totaling $21 million to support ocean observing efforts in the Great Lakes. These grants will improve real-time data accessibility, facilitate environmental monitoring, and enhance decision-making for severe weather and emergencies.
NOAA has awarded over $2.7 million in competitive grant funding to the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association to develop a comprehensive ocean observing system for the Mid-Atlantic region. The funding will support efforts to improve data coordination, forecasting, and regional data management.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants totaling $21 million to support ocean observing efforts in the Southeast US. The funding will be used to develop and enhance data management and modeling systems for coastal flooding, storm surges, and other ocean-related hazards.
The project aims to create the most detailed maps of Oregon's seafloor along its coast, measuring water depth, identifying navigational hazards, and recording natural features. The data collected will help researchers and coastal managers protect coastal communities and marine habitats.
NOAA will participate in a private research expedition to study the impact of the USS Monitor wreck on local marine life. The survey will examine species such as fish, crustaceans, and coral, as well as lionfish, which may be harming the site's ecosystem.
NOAA is conducting a three-week research expedition to study World War II shipwrecks sunk in 1942 off the coast of North Carolina. The expedition aims to document the condition of these vessels and preserve their historic sites, which serve as 'time capsules from one of the darkest times in the nation's history.'
The Gulf of Mexico's dead zone is smaller than expected this year, measuring 3,000 square miles, but severe in some areas. The area was predicted to be larger by NOAA models, driven by high nitrate loads and freshwater flows from rivers.
Scientists have successfully detected a harmful algal species and its toxin below the ocean's surface using a robotic instrument called the Environmental Sample Processor. This achievement represents a major breakthrough in monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their effects on coastal ecosystems and human health.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prohibited commercial krill harvesting in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This rule aims to protect the krill's role as a key food source for numerous marine species, including some listed as threatened or endangered.
The study found that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will become an increasingly larger factor in future climate warming if business-as-usual trends continue. By 2050, HFC emissions could contribute 7-12% to climate change, exceeding CO2's current contribution.
The NOAA report finds that the sanctuary's marine life and habitats are fair to good overall but face emerging threats like marine debris and ocean acidification. The condition report provides a baseline for monitoring changes in sanctuary resources.
Scientists predict a massive dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening commercial and recreational fisheries. The predicted size could be as large as New Jersey, caused by nutrient runoff from agricultural activity.
A new study by Leveson Consulting estimates NOAA's National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) provides over $2.4 billion in annual economic benefits. Refining the system could net an additional $522 million in annual economic benefits, mainly due to improved accuracy of position and elevation data.
The NOAA report offers a comprehensive look at the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' marine life, revealing relatively pristine ecosystems with dominant top predators. This knowledge will aid in managing resources and researching natural coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers found that 80% of tested sea otters in Washington State had morbillivirus and 60% had Toxoplasma, with implications for the ecosystem's balance. The study highlights the need to monitor the health of the state's otter population, as they are 'sentinels' for environmental problems.
A new set of ocean observing data enhances the ability to track probable paths of victims and drifting survivor craft, improving search and rescue efforts. The data feeds into Coast Guard servers to improve environmental observations and supports oil spill response, harmful algal bloom monitoring, and water quality assessments.
The Verification of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment 2 (VORTEX2 or V2) will study the origins, structure, and evolution of tornadoes from May 10 to June 13. Data collected will help researchers understand how tornadoes form and improve forecasts.
The Arctic is expected to lose four-fifths of its summer sea ice, reducing it from 4.6 million square kilometers to 1 million, with warming temperatures contributing to the decline. This rapid change is attributed to natural variability and increased greenhouse gases.
A new NOAA report reveals widespread contamination of US coastal waters with Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), a common flame retardant used in commercial goods since the 1970s. Elevated levels were found near urban and industrial centers, posing health concerns to humans and aquatic life.