A new study by University of Miami researchers found that too many algal symbionts can increase the severity of coral bleaching. Corals with higher ratios of algae to coral tissue bleach more severely, highlighting a real-world risk for reef ecosystems.
Eberli's research on carbonate sediments and rocks has led to a revolutionary new model of platform development, revealing the internal architecture of Great Bahama Bank. The CSL Center for Carbonate Research he directs has made significant breakthroughs in understanding sedimentologic processes, aiding the petroleum industry.
Scientists from University of Miami's Deep-C consortium studied ocean heat content, salinity, and currents during Hurricane Isaac. The research aims to determine if upwelling and deep sea responses led to oil spills on the Gulf Coast.
A 3-week research expedition, GLAD experiment, will map surface currents that transport pollutants. The study aims to improve oil spill and at-sea emergency response by investigating pollutant transport and deposition along the Gulf of Mexico.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School awarded over $11,000 to five graduate students pursuing research projects on marine conservation and climate change. Christine Beggs will study invasive lionfish in the Florida Keys, while Katinka Bellomo will investigate cloud radiative forcing at the Max-Planck Institute. Dominique Lazarre ...
A University of Miami-led study found that wind-induced surface drift significantly influenced the displacement of oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. The simulation results correctly predicted the final destination of the oil along the Northern Gulf coastline, matching observations.
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.
A two-year grant from NOAA, NASA, NSF, and DOE will help the University of Miami improve seasonal climate predictions for severe floods or droughts in South Florida. The team aims to establish a comprehensive multi-model prediction system available in real-time to all sectors.
The Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Complex will study coastal structures, weather phenomena, and marine life impacting human health. The facility features a wind-wave-storm surge simulator capable of generating Category 5 hurricane force winds.
The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.
The NSF grant will support ensemble climate simulations and data sharing to improve environmental and storm modeling. This project aims to enhance the performance of NOAA's SLOSH model for predicting storm surge generated by hurricanes and tropical storms.
A new study estimates that reef shark numbers have dropped substantially around populated islands, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to untouched reefs. The research uses towed-diver surveys to compare shark populations at reefs spanning from heavily impacted ones to pristine areas.
A team of female scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science have developed a sophisticated numerical model to study fish larvae's navigation skills. The model uses reliable larval swimming speeds and vertical migration to create realistic scenarios that can be studied in detail.
Rachael Heuer, a University of Miami graduate student, has received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to investigate how Gulf toadfish cope with ocean acidification. Her research findings indicate that toadfish exposed to elevated CO2 levels lose base from their bodies, affecting their pH balance and health.
The prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Foundation has selected four University of Miami students as 2012 Goldwater Scholars: Christopher Sanchez, Ian Ergui, Juan Pablo Ruiz, and Christine Chesley. Sanchez is majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a focus on Anthropology.
A new study finds that many species of reef-building corals can adapt to warming waters by relying on multiple algal symbionts. This ability may help corals survive future losses due to ocean temperatures increases.
The OceanScope project combines the ocean-observing community and the global shipping industry to study ocean circulation dynamics and fill observational gaps. By leveraging commercial ships like Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas, the partnership aims to create a cost-effective opportunity for systematic long-term observation.
The University of Miami will study typhoons, monsoons and internal waves using SAR imaging to improve tracking and predictability. The new grant will provide valuable data for governments and first-responders in preparedness for natural disasters.
The US GEOTRACES initiative will conduct a grand-scale, coordinated experiment in the Arctic Ocean to better understand climate change impacts on ecosystems and geochemical cycles. The project aims to establish a baseline for future measurements and inform feedback mechanisms for Arctic change.
Researchers have developed a mathematical method to forecast the movement of oil and ash in the environment following disasters. This technique uses Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) to detect the cores of complex patterns in ocean flows, predicting dramatic changes in pollution patterns.
A University of Miami study found that tiger sharks in Bahamas Tiger Beach exhibit long-distance migrations up to 3,500 km into the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, shark feeding for ecotourism in Florida waters has no impact on behavior.
Researchers found a link between large dust storms on southern Iceland and accelerated glacial melting, while also increasing nutrients in the North Atlantic Ocean. The iron-rich dust boosts ocean primary productivity and stimulates marine biota growth, drawing down CO2 from the atmosphere.
A University of Miami study reveals alarming accumulation of BMAA in shark fins, which may pose a significant threat to shark fin consumers. The study found levels of BMAA ranging from 144 to 1836 ng/mg, similar to those measured in the brains of Alzheimer's and ALS victims.
Bellomo's study reveals potential to quantify the role of clouds in driving climate change using observational datasets. Climate models struggle to simulate this effect, but observations could help improve simulations.
University of Miami graduate student Sean Bignami has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to study the effects of ocean acidification on large marine fish. He plans to share his research with decision-makers and engage in outreach programs to promote public awareness of marine science.
The University of Miami will use a $700,000 challenge grant from the Batchelor Foundation to purchase a helicopter equipped with scientific equipment for environmental observations. The helicopter will enable researchers to collect critical data near the Earth's surface and atmosphere, improving knowledge of climate processes.
Scientists analyze carbon isotopic composition in ancient rocks to understand conditions prior to the Marinoan glaciation, finding no link between changes and global glacial events. The research suggests alteration by freshwater as sea level fell is responsible for observed geochemical patterns.
A University of Miami research team studied the larval stage of great barracuda and sennets, finding they share a similar diet and live in upper 25m ocean layer. The study identifies a size advantage within the larval stage, where bigger larvae are more likely to survive.
A new study shows that expanding 'ocean dead zones' driven by climate change is shrinking the useable habitat for blue marlin and other pelagic fish in the tropical northeast Atlantic Ocean. This compression of habitat due to low oxygen levels threatens the sustainability of these fisheries.
A new study by University of Miami researchers provides insights into the physical conditions and biological factors underlying white shark attacks on Cape fur seals. The study found that sharks use stealth and ambush tactics to stalk their prey, while seals employ unique techniques to detect and evade predators.
A groundbreaking study by University of Miami researcher Shimon Wdowinski reveals a strong temporal relationship between tropical cyclones and large earthquakes. The study found that very wet tropical cyclone events can induce landslides and severe erosion, releasing stress loads and encouraging movement along faults.
A University of Miami study reveals that the Southern Oscillation plays a bigger role in the climate system than previously thought. The research finds that atmospheric pressure, surface temperature, and precipitation are similar across two climate scenarios with static and dynamic oceans.
The NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research is initiating a 5-year project focused on the role that Pulley Ridge reefs play in replenishing key fish species and other organisms in downstream reefs. This research aims to develop more effective strategies to protect these ecosystems.
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has awarded a $2 million grant to the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to support its project on conserving critically endangered oceanic sharks. The program will employ satellite tags to track shark behavior in real-time, helping to determine the species' vulnera...
Professor Lynn Shay has been elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for his outstanding contributions to atmospheric and oceanic sciences. His research focuses on upper ocean impacts on hurricane intensity changes, and he has published over 85 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
A recent study of Glover's Reef Marine Reserve in Belize found that coral communities showed no significant improvement despite 10 years of protected status. The research revealed declines in coral cover and abundance of juvenile corals, with macroalgae dominating the reef and impeding coral growth.
Researchers are sequencing the Atlantic killifish genome to understand how it tolerates pollutants and thermal extremes, providing insights into human impact on the earth and global warming. This study aims to accelerate our understanding of genetic determinants of health and disease in changing environments.
The University of Miami's Stable Isotope Laboratory has acquired new equipment for analyzing stable isotopes using the 'clumped isotope' technique. This method measures temperature with high accuracy, allowing researchers to study past climates and geological processes.
Researchers analyzed 61 years of tropical storm data to find correlations between hurricane tracks and climate patterns. They discovered that El Niño seasons tend to produce fewer storms, while those that do form are less likely to make landfall due to changes in atmospheric steering currents.
A team of scientists, including students from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, studied the sounds of California mantis shrimp to understand their communication methods. They found that males made rhythmic 'rumbles' in groups of three to attract females and defend territories.
The University of Miami is leading a consortium to investigate the fate of petroleum in the environment, aiming to improve risk management and response efforts. The project, CARTHE, will focus on accurately predicting hydrocarbon transport and development of new tools for responding to future spills.
A new study found that Florida's reefs suffered unprecedented losses of coral species during the 2010 cold weather event, with coral tissue mortality reaching over 40%. This was particularly devastating for shallow and near-shore reefs, where large colonies were hardest hit.
Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes using ethanol's isotopic signature, which can indicate the presence of manmade biofuels. The discovery has significant implications for understanding air pollution in urban areas and mitigating its effects on human health.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Neil Hammerschlag's RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to investigate the impact of declining marine apex predator populations on the ocean ecosystem.
An international team of scientists assesses the population status of several fish species, classifying seven as threatened with extinction and four as 'near threatened' for the IUCN Red List. The study highlights the need to protect against overexploitation driven by high prices, which are putting pressure on global fish populations.
A study by University of Miami researchers suggests that including conservation efforts in long-term management plans is crucial for shark populations. Ecotourism can generate significant revenue, with a single reef shark valued at $73 per day alive, and over $200,000 over its 15-year life cycle.
Environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad and underwater photographer Wes Skiles were named Explorers of the Year for their work documenting Blue Holes in the Bahamas. Musician Jack Johnson received the Arts Ambassador for the Environment Award, while IBM was recognized for its research partnership with National Geographic.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to the University of Miami's RJD Marine Conservation Program to investigate shark conservation in Florida waters. The research aims to understand the impact of top predators on the ecosystem and develop strategies for sustainable fisheries management.
New research reveals ocean acidification will reduce coral reef ecosystem diversity, leading to severe impacts on coral reefs globally. The study shows reduced biodiversity, recruitment, and development of reef ecosystems under acidic conditions.
A team of researchers deployed an observatory system to study microbial life in the ocean crust, revealing a large reservoir of seawater that supports a dynamic ecosystem. The study provides insights into hydrogeology, geochemistry, and microbiology, with potential applications for understanding earthquakes and carbon storage.