The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received two grants totaling $101,000 from the Ocean Fund to support scientific research on cruise ships and graduate student scholarships. The funding will enable researchers to study climate change, coral reefs, and ocean health.
Dr. Rosalind Rickaby, a biogeochemist at Oxford University, has been awarded the 2009 Rosenstiel Award for her groundbreaking research on marine phytoplankton and their impact on the Earth's climate. Her innovative approaches are helping to establish a record of the influences these microorganisms have had on the planet.
Research reveals swimmers using public ocean beaches increase their risk for staph organism exposure and potential infections. Taking precautions like showering before entry can reduce the risk of infection.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has received a $3.75 million grant from the Office of Naval Research to support satellite-based research in the Western Pacific Ocean. The project aims to better understand typhoons, internal waves, and coastal processes using satellite data.
Scientists have developed a new equation of state for seawater based on Absolute Salinity, which is expected to provide more accurate thermodynamic calculations. The new approach aims to improve the understanding of seawater's properties and its role in the global heat engine.
Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.
A recent study published in Science reveals that fish produce a significant fraction of the oceans' calcium carbonate, affecting seawater's pH balance. The researchers estimate three to 15 percent of marine calcium carbonate is produced by fish, which can dissolve rapidly and release into the deep ocean.
Researchers discovered two new extinct species of coral, Isopora ginsburgi and Isopora curacaoensis, found on the Island of Curaçao six million years ago. The findings provide insight into coral evolution and biogeographic separation between Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.
University of Miami Rosenstiel School Ph.D. student Rafael Schiller earns a coveted 'Best Poster' award for his research on improving coastal simulations using GODAE and satellite products, supporting the Northern Gulf of Mexico Cooperative Institute.
The annual bonefish census reported a modest decrease in population numbers to 321,000, attributed to increased participation among counters. The survey found that the population is relatively stable, with no significant difference year-over-year.
Scientists explore relationship between sea surface temperature and seasonal hurricane activity, finding differing interpretations of observational record can imply vastly different futures. The 'relative' SST hypothesis suggests a similar recent past trend with natural climate variability, while the local SST hypothesis predicts highe...
A new study by Peter K. Swart suggests that carbonate platform records are not reliable for tracking the global carbon cycle over the past 10 million years. This finding challenges widely-held ideas about CO2 levels during specific periods of Earth's geological history.
Researchers develop novel weather and climate modeling strategy to isolate interactions between weather and climate, applying it to the NCAR's Community Climate System Model. This project aims to advance Earth system science, improve weather and climate predictions, and inform environmental policies.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to fewer hurricanes forming, but those that do could intensify. The research uses more accurate computer models to simulate hurricane formation and finds that warmer ocean temperatures suppress formation rather than encouraging it.
A new study confirms a link between warmer climates and more powerful rainstorms, increasing the risk of flooding and societal impacts. Researchers found that tropical rainfall extremes increase during warm periods, with heavy downpours boosted by atmospheric moisture.
Five University of Miami students received top honors with prestigious American Meteorological Society (AMS) awards, bolstering the university's reputation for academic rigor in meteorology. The Rosenstiel School's undergraduate program, one of only 70 nationwide, has seen notable success with these scholarships and fellowships.
The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) has funded two research projects at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School to study the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The three-year projects will focus on understanding the circulation's impact on climate and weather patterns.
A new survey of Floridians reveals a strong consensus on climate change: most believe it's happening now and will have dangerous impacts. The majority also supports policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even if it affects their pocketbooks.
A study published in Science reveals that anthropogenic nitrogen has a significant impact on ocean biology, photosynthesis, and the global carbon cycle. The research highlights how increased nitrogen deposition from human activities affects the oceans' ability to absorb CO2.
The University of Miami's CSTARS will host a library of high-quality images collected via spaceborne C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to aid in understanding hurricane and typhoon dynamics. The database will provide approved scientists with free access to imagery that can help shape storm models and resource distribution.
Two UM students, Rachel Silverstein and Nitzan Soffer, receive prestigious NSF fellowships for their doctoral work on coral reefs. The lab is led by Dr. Andrew Baker, a pioneer in developing techniques to enhance coral thermal tolerance.
Junior at University of Miami double majoring in Meteorology and Applied Mathematics wins prestigious SOARS mentorship. He will conduct original research on improving weather forecasting and present his findings at a colloquium.
The UM Rosenstiel School students' innovative sustainable aquaculture concept, focusing on producing and selling valuable bait fish, has been recognized as a top prize winner. The students took home $8,000 for their project, which aims to promote environmentally friendly fishing practices.
Peter Glynn, a professor at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School, has received the Provost's Award for Scholarly Activity for his groundbreaking research on coral reefs. His work highlights the impact of climate change on coral bleaching and death.
A UM Marine geology and geophysics student has been awarded the prestigious MARGINS Student Prize for her research on slow slip and slide dynamics in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Her study revealed a 'slow slip event', where energy is released over several weeks instead of seconds, sparing damage to the surface environment.
The 5th annual Keys bonefish population census has shown a fairly steady population of approximately 364,000 bonefish, indicating reliable research methods. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the bonefish population for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in Florida.
Dr. Constable will create an ecosystem-based management plan to safeguard baleen whales and other marine life in the Southern Ocean's rapidly-growing krill fisheries. His project aims to promote environmentally sustainable growth of the industry and address concerns over climate change and overfishing.
Dr. Sumaila will create comprehensive databases on the cost and ecological impact of commercial fishing globally, providing evidence for smarter policymaking concerning fisheries management worldwide. He aims to gather extensive information on social and economic drivers of overfishing and its impact on marine conservation.
Dr. Rochet will compare the impact of selective and non-selective fishing on marine ecosystems, aiming to pinpoint the least harmful method to reduce wasteful bycatch and promote ecosystem conservation.
Dr. Andrew Baker's work focuses on developing techniques to enhance thermal tolerance of corals and help them survive bleaching events. He plans to boost the natural abundance of heat-tolerant algae inside reef corals.
Fan Meng, a visionary leader from China, has been awarded the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to expand and improve a marine protected area network in southeast China. The fellowship will help safeguard coastal areas from industrial pollution and unsustainable fishing.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation supports innovative three-year projects addressing coral reef health, unsustainable commercial fishing, and marine protected areas. The 2008 recipients aim to protect global ocean environments through groundbreaking techniques, fishery management models, and economic analysis.
Dennis J. McGillicuddy, Jr., a pioneer in physical-biological interactions, is recognized for his groundbreaking studies of plankton and ocean currents. His research has significantly impacted the global carbon cycle and marine ecosystem productivity.
A new research tool, OWNFOR, will enable scientists to study how tiny coral reef fish larvae locate their habitat across vast expanses of water. The system uses a drifting observational device with an infrared camera to observe marine larvae naturally influenced by ocean currents.
Researchers from NOAA and University of Miami found that natural climate variations can impact hurricane intensity. They discovered that regions with warmer oceans have increased potential intensity, while others experience decreased potential intensity.
The Integrated Marine Program and College Training (IMPACT) Project has been successful in preparing low-income, first-generation students for postsecondary education. With a 95% success rate, the program helps students prepare for college through hands-on activities, lectures, and computer-based training.
Researchers have found that less carbon is transported to deep water during natural plankton blooms than during the rest of the year, suggesting the Biological Pump leaks. This discovery challenges ocean fertilization schemes, which ignore natural processes and may not remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
A new underwater nursery in Biscayne National Park is dedicated to the propagation of staghorn corals. The nursery aims to develop effective fragmentation and propagation methodologies to help recover the species from decline due to climate change, coral diseases, and hurricanes.
A new light trap design has led to the discovery of a new species of goby, with DNA barcoding technology confirming its unique genetic profile. The capture of larvae using the innovative trap provided access to previously inaccessible species, shedding new light on marine biodiversity.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has launched a new lab to study the effects of climate change on corals, using controlled temperature and carbon dioxide conditions. The lab aims to understand how corals will respond to increased ocean acidity and warming in the next 50-100 years.
A new study uses satellite imagery to detect location of seismic unrest at Mauna Loa, bringing closer understanding of where an eruption may occur. Researchers can now more precisely forecast locations of volcanic activity, providing critical information for populated areas.
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found high levels of bacteria and pathogens in water and sediment samples from New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the importance of rapid environmental assessments. The study suggests that sediments can pose a risk to public health d...
A new high-resolution computer model has been developed to better understand how air-sea interactions affect hurricane intensity. The model uses detailed data from the Coupled Boundary Layer Air-Sea Transfer (CBLAST) field program, which provided unprecedented information about ocean and sea surface conditions near hurricanes.
Climate model simulations indicate a robust increase in wind shear in the tropical Atlantic, which could counteract global warming's effects on hurricane intensity. The study suggests that increased wind shear may inhibit both hurricane development and intensification.
A study found that overfishing large sharks leads to an explosion of their ray and skate prey species, which in turn devastates scallop populations. The decline of great sharks has triggered cascading effects throughout coastal food webs, impacting local communities that depend on healthy fisheries.
Researchers factored in crustal strength changes to improve predictive models for earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault. The study found a disparity between observations and mechanical models, suggesting that crustal changes in fault segments should be included in future models.
A new scientific paper reviews 60 years of research on the impact of ocean carbon dioxide, warning of widespread species extinction, coral dissolution, and damage to natural food webs. The study suggests that doubling gas mileage in the US could help ameliorate existing damage.
Scientists from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School have developed an approach to investigate ocean reefs, which are considered the core of most living organisms. The new study has shed light on how stromatolites form and offers a new way to explore the origins of these living records.
Michael Hernandez, a junior at University of Miami, won Outstanding Student Poster in geosciences category at SACNAS national conference. His research compared CHAMP radio occultations with global model forecasts during the 2005 hurricane season.
Dr. Liana Talaue-McManus and Dr. John W. McManus, researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, were named Associates of the World Technology Network for their innovative work in marine science and technology.