A long-term analysis of water quality monitoring data reveals that climate change is affecting Buzzards Bay's ecosystem by increasing average summertime temperatures by almost 2 degrees Celsius. This warming fueling an increase in algae growth, which in turn worsens water quality and poses challenges for coastal ecosystems.
A team of scientists used a robotic vehicle to track and image white sharks in the ocean, providing critical data for conservation efforts. The research revealed that great whites hunt seals from below, using the clear waters off Guadalupe Island to ambush their prey.
Researchers quantify the amount of drag on entangled whales created by towing fishing gear, revealing significant effects on energy costs and survival. The study provides crucial data for evaluating risks and benefits of whale disentanglements and reinforces current efforts to minimize entangling gear.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution report detecting increased radiation off the US West Coast due to Fukushima, with levels 50% higher than previous samples and still within safe drinking water limits. The study provides valuable insights into ocean currents and mixing, using radioactive isotopes as markers.
A recent study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers reveals that long-term ocean warming significantly increased the risk of devastating floods in northeast Australia during the 2010/2011 event. The study found that warmer sea surface temperatures contributed to record-breaking rainfall and extreme weather conditions.
A recent study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal has made the first-ever field observations of Omura's whales off the coast of Madagascar. The research team observed 44 groups of whales, collected skin biopsies from 18 adult whales, and recorded song-like vocalizations that may indicate reproductive behavior.
A new study projects a doubling of Antarctic ice shelf surface melting by 2050 and a significant increase in melting by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The research highlights the importance of climate policy in mitigating the effects of warming on ice shelves.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown process where warm Gulf Stream water and colder waters of the continental shelf exchange, influencing shelf circulation, biogeochemistry, and fisheries. The discovery provides new insights into the complex interactions between these two water masses.
Researchers developed a novel data-logging tag called ITAG to study small invertebrates' behaviors and physiology. The tag measures ocean conditions and animal responses at high resolution, providing valuable insights into their natural behaviors and adaptations.
Researchers found fossilized microbes in ancient rock samples from the Iberian continental margin, confirming a long-standing hypothesis that interactions between mantle rocks and seawater can create conditions for life. The discovery provides important insights into the possibility of 'intraterrestrial' life in rocks below the seafloor.
A three-year study reveals that contaminated sediments from Fukushima are resuspended by typhoons and transported to the Pacific Ocean. The research team tracked radiocesium levels in sediment samples along the continental shelf and slope, finding high concentrations of clay material characteristic of near-shore sediments.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed a novel plankton sampling system utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect and analyze small planktonic larvae in coastal waters. The SUPR-REMUS system combines cutting-edge technologies, including DNA barcode analysis, to provide fine-scale information...
A new study found that Arctic rivers, such as the Mackenzie River, are responsible for burying large amounts of organic carbon from thawing permafrost at sea. This process locks away carbon dioxide and helps stabilize the earth's CO2 levels over time, providing a potential natural sink for excess greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.
Researchers found a connection between climate and airline flight times, suggesting a feedback loop between carbon emissions and warming climate. The study suggests that climate variability determines flight times, with faster winds resulting in shorter flights and increased fuel consumption.
A new study reveals that chemical-laden plumes from hydrothermal vents can be traced across the Pacific for over 4,000 kilometers and impact global ocean chemistry. The iron transported by these plumes has the potential to serve as a key life-sustaining micro-nutrient in the surface oceans of Antarctica.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that methane formation occurs independently of venting process and is produced on geological time scales deep beneath seafloor. Abiotic compound formate is formed during vent circulation process, providing evidence for purely chemical processes in origin of life.
A new study found that coral reefs in Palau's naturally acidic waters are thriving, despite the expected negative impacts of ocean acidification. However, increased bioerosion was observed, threatening the long-term survival of these ecosystems. The research team hopes to better understand how corals adapt to low pH conditions.
Researchers found that a bulge in the ice creates tension that stretches the surface, promoting crack formation. The study's key finding is that without this tension, even large supraglacial lakes will retain their water.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Columbia University reveals a more complex marine phosphorus cycle than previously thought, with microbes playing a key role in using and breaking down forms of the essential element. In the process, about five percent of phosphate is converted to phosphonates in shallow water samples.
Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution calculated the first direct estimate of how much organic carbon is exported to the ocean by rivers. The study found that rivers transport approximately 200 megatons of carbon to the ocean annually, with 80% coming from terrestrial biosphere and 20% from petrogenic sources.
A new computer program simulates ocean conditions, sea scallop population dynamics, and economic impacts on the fishery, providing a tool for informed discussion among stakeholders. The model predicts potential declines in sea scallop harvests over several decades if current carbon dioxide emissions continue.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that stressed and dying phytoplankton release chemicals that stimulate marine bacteria to quickly convert organic carbon back into CO2. This process reduces the amount of sinking detritus, releasing more CO2 into the shallow ocean and atmosphere.
Researchers used novel molecular and analytic tools to study how similar diatom species utilize resources differently, known as niche partitioning, in Narragansett Bay. The study found that two species of chain-forming diatoms coexist but use available nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, differently.
A study published in Science reveals that swirling ocean currents, known as eddies, play a significant role in delivering carbon from phytoplankton blooms to the deep ocean. The research, led by Melissa Omand, found that these currents transport small, non-sinking phytoplankton cells to depths of up to 1,000 meters.
A new study by scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals that the deep ocean is a major source of dissolved iron in the central Pacific Ocean. The research found that hydrothermal vents and sediments thousands of meters below the sea surface are the primary sources of iron, contradicting previous assumptions.
Scientists have discovered a way to produce both biodiesel and jet fuel from a single type of algae, utilizing its unique fatty acid compounds. The breakthrough could hold potential for commercialization, but further research is needed to scale up production.
A study published in Geology highlights the dangers of coral reefs facing erosion due to ocean acidification and nutrient pollution. The researchers found that bioeroders can thrive in waters with high nutrient levels and low pH conditions, tipping the balance towards erosion.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers has identified the acoustic range and minimum sound sensitivity of cuttlefish. The study found that cuttlefish hear in the same frequency range as fish and can react to sounds in a graded manner, using different behaviors to avoid predators.
A team of climate scientists has found that California's drought of 2012-2014 was the worst in 1,200 years. The researchers used tree-ring samples to reconstruct rainfall data back to the 13th century and found that the current period of low precipitation combined with record-high temperatures created severe water shortages.
Extensive world deltas will be lost due to rising sea levels, with major cities like Shanghai, Dhaka, and Bangkok facing inundation. The retention of sand, mud, and vegetation is not fully understood, hindering development of maintenance strategies.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover evidence of water on Earth dating back to the planet's formation. The findings suggest that Earth formed as a wet planet with water on its surface.
Researchers have adapted a biomedical technique to study the ocean, revealing how single-celled marine organisms and ecosystems are operating. By measuring proteins, scientists can identify biochemical reactions happening within organisms and diagnose how the oceans respond to pollution and climate change.
Researchers estimate mercury levels in global ocean, separating natural and human sources for the first time. The study found that ocean waters shallower than 100m have tripled in mercury concentration since the Industrial Revolution.
Researchers found hundreds of juvenile whale sharks gathering on coral reefs near Saudi Arabia, providing a rare insight into their daily lives and movements. The study tracked the sharks' movements over years, revealing frequent deep dives and a sex ratio of 1:1 at the site.
A new study has found that the dispersant compound DOSS, used in the Deepwater Horizon spill, persists in the environment for up to four years, remaining associated with oil and affecting marine ecosystems. The persistence of DOSS in deep-sea sediments, corals, and sand patties on Gulf beaches indicates a need for further research into...
Researchers tracked Chilean devil rays using satellite tags, finding they dive as deep as 2,000 meters in search of food. The study reveals a new link between the surface and deep ocean, shedding light on these majestic creatures' habits.
A new study finds Emperor penguins in peril, with all colonies projected to decline by more than 50% by the end of the century due to sea ice concentration changes. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts and potential refuges to preserve populations, with implications for international conservation paradigms.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found rapid changes in ocean temperature near glaciers, driven by fast ocean currents. The data suggests large and rapid fluctuations in submarine melt rates, contradicting the prevailing paradigm of freshwater input driving new water into the fjord.
A new study reveals that gentoo penguin populations continue to grow in response to climate warming, while Adélie and chinstrap penguin populations are declining due to reduced krill supplies. The research, led by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, sheds light on how past climate change affected these species.
A new study reveals that phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea store more polyphosphate when phosphorus is scarce than expected. The researchers found that polyphosphate is recycled from sinking particles in low-phosphorus environments, making it available for phytoplankton use.
Caswell's work on matrix population models has had a significant impact on life history theory, conservation biology, climate studies, and the evolution of aging. He was recognized for his lifetime contributions to mathematical demographic analysis.
Researchers tested the hearing of seven Bristol Bay beluga whales, finding surprisingly little variation in their abilities. The study provides a baseline for the population's health and may inform conservation efforts and validate studies of hearing in captivity.
A new pilot program uses robotic instruments and computer modeling analysis to track the harmful algal bloom in the Gulf of Maine. The deployment of four Environmental Sample Processors (ESP) will provide near real-time data on toxic algae, helping decision-makers keep people safe.
Researchers found an abundance of methanethiol in low-temperature fluids with markers of microbial organic matter, suggesting breakdown of existing subseafloor life produces methanethiol. This contradicts the 'metabolism first' hypothesis and provides evidence that life is widespread below the seafloor.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified a core skin bacterial community shared by humpback whales across populations, suggesting a way to assess their overall health. The study's findings could aid in population health monitoring and conservation status of threatened or endangered marine mammals.
Researchers found that changes in a receptor protein called AHR2 may explain how killifish evolved genetic resistance to PCBs. The study suggests that evolution of resistance converges on the same target gene across independent populations.
The Greenland Ice Sheet is experiencing rapid ice loss, driven by ocean warming and increased surface melting. This phenomenon can lead to fresh water input into the North Atlantic Ocean, potentially disrupting global climate circulation patterns.
Researchers discovered that coral reefs in Palau's Rock Islands are surprisingly diverse and healthy despite being exposed to acidic water. The unique conditions in Palau, including a residence time of seawater that allows for continuous calcification and respiration, contribute to the corals' resilience.
Researchers analyzed vertebrae from four females and four males in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, determining ages of up to 40 years for females and 73 years for males. The study used radiocarbon analysis to pinpoint age in the vertebra layers, providing irrefutable evidence of white shark longevity.