Articles tagged with Beaches
Sand hoppers, tiny crustaceans, move up to 50 kg of sand per meter of shoreline per day, excavating and aerating the sediment. Their burrowing habits cycle nutrients and make sediments more available for erosion.
A new study reveals that sand hoppers, a nocturnal crustacean, are the most effective shapers of California's beaches, moving 110 pounds of sand daily. Their burrowing brings plankton and oxygen-rich seawater, providing nutrients for other beach-dwellers.
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that California has lost more than 60% of its coastal dune systems, primarily due to human activity. The assessment highlights the importance of preserving these ecosystems for biodiversity and coastal resilience.
Mangrove forests worldwide are no longer in net decline and are now growing overall, driven by natural regeneration and expansion. The research highlights a more hopeful trajectory for these ecosystems, which play a critical role in protecting coastlines and storing climate-warming carbon.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.
In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers, while 28% end up back on beaches near direct drainage points. The study highlights a significant 'sink' in the global circulation of plastics and sheds light on the complex transport of microplastics.
A new method uses machine learning and flow cytometry to detect contaminated bathing water, providing faster and more complete answers on water safety. The method has several advantages, including being open-source and able to detect changes in entire bacterial communities.
Most San Diego County beaches grew in width last year during the post-El Niño recovery phase. California's average beach width has remained stable across nearly four decades despite notable examples of beach erosion. Beach nourishment projects also contributed to recent increases in beach width.
A new study has analyzed a rare flooding event in the Maldives in July 2022 and found it could become a far more common occurrence in the future. By 2050, predicted rises in sea levels, coupled with increased extreme weather events, may result in such flooding happening every two to three years.
Researchers used drones to create detailed maps of a high-density nesting beach, identifying steepness and proximity to dune crossover stairs as key factors influencing turtle nesting success. The study provides insights into how changing coastal conditions affect sea turtle habitats, informing conservation policy and coastal development.
A new study finds that sargassum seaweed can significantly slow down sea turtle hatchlings in Florida, increasing their risk of predation and heat exposure. Researchers found that even small amounts of sargassum can impede hatchlings' progress, with leatherbacks taking 54% longer to crawl through light sargassum.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
A new study by the University of Cambridge found that seaside and blue-colored places are more likely to evoke feelings of nostalgia in people. The research suggests that these environments have visual properties that contribute to positive emotions, including 'fractal property' and high contrast.
A new study found that hermit crabs with more sensory hairs on their claws recover faster from a startle response, indicating they are bolder. The research suggests a link between sensory ability and behavior, proposing a hypothesis called sensory investment syndrome.
A team of researchers has developed a new theory to explain how mini sand dunes form on Earth's surface, including beaches and deserts. They found that sand moves higher and is transported more by the wind when it lands on softer surfaces.
A new study reveals that 81% of O’ahu's coastline could experience erosion by 2100, with a further 40% loss happening by 2030. The research used computer models incorporating satellite imagery to predict the seasonal movement of sand, resulting in more severe erosion projections than previous studies.
The Los Angeles Rams have partnered with the American Heart Association to bring lifesaving CPR training to 22 local schools. The initiative aims to enhance community preparedness for cardiac emergencies. By providing resources and education, the partnership seeks to increase the number of people confident in performing CPR.
A study by the URV and UB teams found that La Pineda beach has the highest concentration of microplastics in Catalonia, with over 1,100 beaches sampled across 580km of coastline. Microplastic pollution was also found in rivers, particularly at the Ebre delta, and was linked to textile fibers released during washing.
Analysis of citizen science data suggests that warmer ocean temperatures can increase loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites along Italy's coastlines. Preserving natural beaches is crucial for maintaining these habitats.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation awards $150,000 grants to midcareer scientists from five countries. The new cohort of fellows will develop coral breeding techniques, evaluate critical conservation measures with local communities, and help preserve threatened marine species and their habitats.
A recent study found that intense east coast low storms and marine heatwaves caused the deaths of over 200 weedy seadragons on Sydney beaches. The extreme weather triggered record-breaking waves and rainfall, which seadragons struggle to handle.
A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.
A Chinese rover has discovered underground beach deposits in an area thought to have once been the site of an ancient sea on Mars. The deposits, which are similar to those found on Earth, suggest that Mars had a long-lived body of water with wave action to distribute sediments along a sloping shoreline.
A Chinese rover has detected underground beach deposits on Mars, indicating the presence of an ancient sea that covered a significant portion of the planet. The deposits, which date back 4 billion years, were formed through wave action and sediment distribution, suggesting a long-lived body of water.
New study highlights significant gaps in understanding how sunscreens affect marine ecosystems, with chemicals entering the environment through various pathways. Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive studies to understand the effects of UV filters on marine life and potential risks to human health.
The International Shark Attack File reported only 47 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, down from 22 in 2019. Four fatalities occurred last year, with the US having the highest number of unprovoked bites, accounting for 28 incidents.
Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...
A study published in Environmental Microbiology sheds light on how microbial communities in coastal groundwater respond to changes in seawater. The research found that these microbes play a crucial role in maintaining coastal water quality, but their resilience is vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking method to map sandy beach intertidal zones using satellite data, providing accurate measurements of coastlines shaped by tides and waves. The technique, validated along the Texas coastline, represents a significant step forward in monitoring coastal environments and assessing flood risk.
Researchers found high levels of contamination on Perequê Beach in Guarujá, Brazil, with plastic and cigarette butts predominating. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights the need for public policies to mitigate litter and protect marine ecosystems.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for spotting plastic rubbish on beaches, which can be seen from over 600km above. The Beached Plastic Debris Index uses differences in reflected light to distinguish between sand, water, and plastics.
Florida Atlantic University's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center is establishing a blue energy hub to develop and test ocean current energy technologies. The project aims to improve the nation's competitiveness in marine energy technology and create jobs.
A new study led by the Alfred Wegener Institute has analyzed 2.2 tons of sand from 71 beaches along the German coast, revealing that 52 beaches were contaminated with plastic. The researchers found an average of four plastic particles per square meter, but noted that microplastic pollution varies greatly from place to place.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that the public only discovers 58% of decoy dolphin carcasses, suggesting a higher number may be dying but not reported. The results point to habitats where staff should focus their efforts and highlight the importance of accurate estimates for understanding cause-specific deaths.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.
Researchers analyzed nighttime light data to assess power restoration rates in urban and rural areas, finding disparities between socioeconomic status and community type. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address these disparities and improve disaster recovery.
A new study has found that tracking and disposing of whale remains offshore can have significant ecological benefits, including retaining nutrients within the marine ecosystem. The research used a 14m humpback whale as a test subject and successfully predicted its drift trajectory, allowing for more effective management of whale remains.
A new study found that magnesium levels in sandhoppers increase during cold weather, slowing their activity. In deeper sleep, magnesium levels can more than double, putting the sandhopper into a torpid state and allowing it to conserve energy.
Researchers tracked and studied sargassum, a prolific seaweed swamping shorelines and causing environmental harm. The study found that the biochemical composition of sargassum is consistent throughout the year, but processing methods affect other components.
A USC study finds that rising sea levels and urban development are accelerating coastal erosion in Southern California, with predicted costs tripling by 2050. Beach nourishment projects will become increasingly costly due to the global increase in sand prices.
A new remote sensing method captures details of hurricane Ian's aftermath, identifying 2,427 structures impacted by the storm. The study found that most damaged structures were single-family and multi-unit residences, with a total assessed value of over $200 million.
Researchers created a simulation model to analyze the impact of coastal management activities on barrier islands' vulnerability to sea-level rise. The model shows that natural processes can create and maintain barriers, but human efforts to protect communities can disrupt these processes.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
Researchers at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute will survey Sargassum inundation sites using drones and remotely operated vehicles, then conduct aerial images and on-the-ground morphometrics. They aim to test the viability of harvesting Sargassum without harming marine animals.
Researchers provided first detailed estimates of sediment supply to coral reef islands, crucial for understanding climate change impacts. They found that around 0.1m³ (100kg) of sediment is delivered to islands per year, helping islands withstand rising seas.
Wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and UC Riverside student Phillip Sternes observed a 5-foot-long pure-white shark pup shedding its embryonic layer. The location off central California's coast is proposed as a potential great white breeding ground, which could help protect endangered species.
Researchers found that human infrastructure is generally located very close to the sea, with an average distance of 390 meters from the coastline. Designating nature reserves can help protect beaches and dunes from rising sea levels, flooding, and biodiversity loss. Currently, only 16% of the world's sandy coasts are protected.
A study published in PNAS reveals that kelp forests and sandy beaches are connected through synchrony, which affects the beach food web's dynamics. The research found patterns of synchrony between kelp abundance, wave action, and beach width, highlighting the importance of kelp subsidies for shorebirds.
A new UniSA study reveals that over-represented sharks in 'creature feature' films contribute to excessive fear of sharks. Dr. Brianna Le Busque warns that safety measures should balance people's safety with access to the ocean, rather than exacerbating fear.
A new research project will explore the potential for low-lying coral atoll islands to survive the impact of rising sea levels, contradicting previous forecasts. The five-year £2.8m ARISE project will conduct extensive field tests and laboratory experiments in the Maldives and Pacific.
A US study found that increasing nest temperatures affects leatherback hatchling morphology, performance and hatching success. Mid-season nests had the highest hatching success and better physical performance.
A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.
Researchers recruited tourists to collect sediment samples on remote Arctic beaches, finding a higher-than-expected level of microplastic pollution. The study identified two specific sources of plastic pollution: polypropylene fibers from fishing nets and polyester-epoxide particles from ship color coatings.
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
Research found that microplastics can increase sand temperature, potentially altering sea turtle sex ratios and hatchling success. Concentrations of up to 30% microplastic had the greatest impact, with temperatures rising by 0.58 degrees Celsius.
A study published in Scientific Reports warns that sea level rises could lead to the flooding of sea turtle breeding grounds in Australia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and the USA. The findings suggest that flooding could contribute to the loss of turtle nesting sites and negatively impact turtle populations.
Researchers at the University of Stirling found that microplastics can transport harmful bacteria from wastewater to beaches in Scotland. The study suggests that these bacteria can survive for up to 7 days on beach sand and show resistance to common antibiotics.
Researchers propose using engineering principles to raise island heights or build new ones to help the Maldives withstand long-term sea level rise due to climate change. The approach could allow the entire population to live on just two islands built at a significantly higher elevation than natural islands.