Articles tagged with Ocean Circulation
A new study reveals that volcanic eruptions can temporarily weaken the Pacific Walker Circulation, a major driver of global precipitation. The recent strengthening of this circulation suggests that aerosols from human activity may have an opposite effect on its behavior.
A new study found that a massive North Atlantic cooling event led to the disruption of early human occupation in Europe, with climate stress changing the course of early human history. The study used observational and modeling evidence to document the unprecedented climate anomaly.
New research reveals that the Amazon estuary receives significant dissolved neodymium and hafnium from the Rio Pará River, contrary to previous assumptions about suspended solid sources. The findings indicate a revised estimate of global riverine neodymium flux, with concentrations up to three times higher than previously thought.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen predict the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will collapse between 2025 and 2095, with major consequences for Earth's climate. The study contradicts the latest IPCC report and highlights the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists developed a new diagnostic framework to analyze oceanic mesoscale eddy transport in the Southern Ocean. The study introduces a holistic picture of eddy potential vorticity transport dynamics, providing theoretical support for potential parameterization.
Catherine Royer's research aims to understand how enzymes function under high pressure and thrive in extreme temperatures. The project could lead to the development of new biotechnological applications.
A University of California, Riverside-led team found that anthropogenic aerosol-driven changes in ocean circulation and interbasin heat transport are more effective in altering oceanic heat distribution than those driven by globally increasing greenhouse gases. This advance in understanding will help develop climate mitigation strategies.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
Researchers discovered that coastal marine invertebrates can survive and reproduce on floating plastic debris in the open ocean. This finding suggests a rapid shift in biogeographical boundaries due to floating plastic pollution.
Researchers used a coupled model to simulate ocean circulation and temperature during the MMCO, finding that global average temperature was over 3℃ higher than present. Extensive forest coverage played a significant role in climate regulation, with land temperatures particularly high in the Sahara and high northern latitudes.
Researchers found giant underwater waves play a crucial role in ocean's ability to store heat and carbon, challenging current climate models. The study highlights the importance of small-scale turbulence in ocean circulation, which can significantly impact global climate projections.
The study reveals that Antarctic bottom water (AABW) has collapsed several times in the past, with these collapses linked to an enhancement of North Atlantic Deepwater and intensified Northern Hemisphere glaciation. AABW collapse may have pulled Earth into harsher glacial climates in the past.
Researchers at Oregon State University found a relationship between surface gravity waves and infragravity waves that fuel sneaker waves. Longer waves with more energy can run further up the beach, but not all long waves turn into sneaker waves.
A new study reveals that changing ocean circulation strengthens precipitation patterns in the Indian Ocean, leading to more intense flood events and droughts. The research suggests a mutual amplification of these effects due to global warming and weakened ocean circulation.
Climate-driven heating of seawater is causing a slowdown of deep circulation patterns in the Atlantic and Southern oceans, which could lead to a complete shutdown by 2300. This would intensify global warming and reduce ocean uptake of carbon dioxide, resulting in declining marine ecosystems.
The Southern Hemisphere is stormier than the Northern due to ocean circulation and mountain ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the 1980s, storminess has increased in the Southern Hemisphere, while the Northern Hemisphere has seen negligible changes.
Researchers found a previously unknown transport route for carbon-rich particles from the Barents and Kara Seas to the deep sea, absorbing up to 3.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. This mechanism is essential for creating global carbon dioxide budgets and understanding the ocean's role in the carbon cycle.
A new study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that the salinity of surface water is crucial for sea ice formation at low temperatures. The study finds that warm water is prevented from rising to the surface due to its lower salinity, creating a 'lid' that allows cold polar temperatures to freeze continuously moving warmer water.
The discussion focused on the impact of ocean acidification, compound events, sea-level rise, and climate injustice, with experts highlighting the need for youth involvement in decision-making. The panel agreed on the urgent need for climate action ahead of COP27, emphasizing cooperation between nations to mitigate the crisis.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered the importance of Frazil ice in producing dense cold water, which is a key component of global ocean circulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding the impact of global warming on this process.
Researchers at University of Miami Rosenstiel School used climate model to investigate temperature changes in subpolar North Atlantic region. The study found that human-driven atmospheric changes are the cause of a warming hole, not a slowdown of ocean circulation.
The Southern Ocean dominates ocean heat uptake due to its unique wind-driven circulation. Rising temperatures could lead to devastating impacts on the food web and ice shelves around Antarctica, with urgent calls for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have quantified glacier mass loss on Kamchatka Peninsula, revealing a total ice loss of 4.9 billion tons between 2000 and 2016. Rising temperatures are driving this change, which contributes to global sea level rise.
Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.
A new study by researchers at University of California - Riverside found that the position of continents can have a devastating effect on deep ocean creatures. Continental movement can cause a sudden collapse in global water circulation, leading to a stark separation between oxygen levels in the upper and lower depths.
Scientists have identified possible 'thermal refugia' where coral reefs are more likely to survive warming oceans. An interactive global atlas has been created with locations of these areas, providing a starting point for conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed fossil corals to reveal changed ocean current circulation patterns. The data supports a scenario where the upper Pacific Ocean was more mixed during the last ice age, contributing to carbon storage and cooler climates.
New research reveals that low model horizontal resolution leads to discrepancies in simulated surface heat fluxes over the North Atlantic. Increasing resolution improves surface heat flux simulations and inferred heat transport, helping the research community better interpret historical simulations and projections.
Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology finds that 98% of ocean plastic is buried in the seafloor, with coastal habitats like mangroves also significant sink sites. The discovery resolves a mystery and has significant implications for human health and UN Sustainable Goal 14.
Researchers found that global warming is accelerating the water cycle, leading to increased storm intensity and ice melting at the poles. Satellite data revealed a significant increase in surface salinity, indicating a stronger interaction between the atmosphere and ocean.
A study of ancient shell remains found at El Mazo cave site reveals that prehistoric humans in Europe adapted to a 1,500-year cold period by exploiting different mollusc species and avoiding overfishing. This research provides insights into human responses to climate change and its impacts on marine environments.
The study reveals that the Tropical easterly jet significantly modulates tropical cyclone genesis over the western North Pacific. The intensified WP_TEJ results in strong northerly winds, inducing large-scale divergence and upward motion that favors deep convection and TC formation.
Researchers developed unprecedented insights into the natural and commercial flow of fish, highlighting the importance of inclusive approaches to fisheries management and conservation. The study's findings indicate a strong connection between larval dispersal and catch distribution in Hawaii, emphasizing the need for community-based ma...
A new study reveals that natural decadal variability related to the Pacific Ocean played a significant role in modulating the Pacific Walker circulation change. The research found that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) could explain 63% of the observed strengthening trend in the Walker circulation between 1980-2015.
Researchers used stalagmites from Jiangjun cave in China to study the response of the Indian summer monsoon to meltwater pulses in the North Atlantic. The analysis revealed that a stronger meltwater pulse caused a drastic reduction in monsoon intensity, while minor events had less impact.
Numerical study investigates dynamics of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in southern Andaman Sea, revealing their generation via oscillating semi-diurnal tidal flow. Sensitivity runs show semidiurnal tides generate stronger ISWs than diurnal tides, with mixed forcing having little effect
A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...
A new method by University of Rochester scientists documents the impact of wind on mesoscale eddies, revealing a continual loss of 50 gigawatts of kinetic energy. This discovery provides a more detailed spatial analysis than existing methods and has significant implications for understanding ocean currents and climate.
A new study by University of New South Wales scientists has shed light on the pathways of ocean circulation that supply newly ventilated surface water to the deep Pacific. The research finds that diffusive transport plays a leading role in ventilating the shadow zone, which is crucial for biological production and climate regulation.
A study predicts that increasing ice melt could lead to abrupt changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), potentially collapsing it even if freshwater influx remains below a critical threshold. The system's chaotic dynamics make predicting tipping points challenging.
Researchers discovered a 190-year lag between Greenland's relative warmth and mild winters at the Black Sea, suggesting thermal adjustment of the ocean interior. Enhanced precipitation and warm lake temperatures followed.
New research suggests that ancient deep-sea corals provide a time machine to study changes in ocean circulation and carbon cycle during the last ice age. The study found that rapid changes in ocean circulation around Antarctica released CO2 to the atmosphere, ending the last ice age.
Researchers found significant correlations between stationary wave strength and tropical cyclone activity, with strong waves modulating TC frequency and altering atmospheric conditions. The study's hemispheric perspective on TC variability offers insights into improving future projections of TC activity in a warming climate.
Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.
Tropical Storm Higos made landfall in Guangdong Province, China, with strong thunderstorms and bands of thunderstorms over the South China Sea. The storm was weakening and moving northwest, expected to dissipate within a day.
Dr. Taro Takahashi received the award for his six-decade research career on global ocean uptake of carbon dioxide emissions and biogeochemistry. He was also recognized for his community service and mentorship to colleagues and junior scientists.
Dr. Larry Mayer, a renowned expert in physical oceanography and ocean acoustics, has been selected as the first recipient of the Walter Munk Medal. His groundbreaking research and technologies have transformed various fields of ocean science.
Research reveals Pacific Ocean infiltration into the Southern Ocean around 6,000-7,000 years ago, possibly due to weakened westerly winds. This finding may signal potential impacts of climate change on the region.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Storm Krosa, showing a large center of circulation surrounded by fragmented bands of thunderstorms. The storm is expected to intensify to 50 knots as it approaches landfall in southwestern Japan.
A new study by the University of South Florida finds ocean circulation was the major determinant of Florida's 2018 red tide blooms. The study used ocean circulation models and autonomous underwater gliders to pinpoint the initiation zone for the blooms, which were likely carried to the coastline by a rare upwelling circulation.
A new study found that a slowing of ocean circulation in Antarctica's waters drastically altered global ice age cycles, making them colder and longer. The mid-Pleistocene transition, with no obvious orbital cause, remains largely unexplained.
A new study reconstructs ocean heat storage since 1871, revealing key changes in temperature history and circulation patterns. The findings suggest that up to half of mid-latitude Atlantic Ocean warming can be attributed to changes in ocean circulation since the 1950s.
A century and a half of reconstructed ocean warming offers insights into the Earth system's energy balance. The study suggests that global warming of the oceans has occurred over the past 150 years, with comparable warming patterns observed in the 1920s-1940s and 1990s-2015.
A new study has found evidence of a centuries-long cold snap in the deep Pacific, with ongoing cooling indicating the ocean is still adjusting to surface cooling during the Little Ice Age. The research suggests that the heat loss in the deep Pacific since 1750 offsets nearly a quarter of global heat gain in the upper ocean.
A study suggests that up to 40-50% of Arctic sea ice loss over the last three decades is due to unknown internal drivers, such as tropical effects. This discrepancy challenges the consensus among climate scientists who attribute it to flawed modeling.
Researchers found a small ice-free 'polynya' in the Arctic that sustained microscopic marine life for at least 5,000 years. This discovery provides insight into how marine ecosystems adapted to extreme climate conditions during the last Ice Age, highlighting their vulnerability and resilience.
Researchers analyzed ocean sediments to understand Atlantic Ocean circulation changes, finding two episodes of ice melting linked to slow-downs in ocean circulation. The findings have implications for future long-term changes in Earth systems with global climate change.
Tropical Storm Maliksi forms in the Philippine Sea with sustained winds of near 40 knots (46 mph), moving north towards Japan. The storm's circulation center is over open waters, extending bands of thunderstorms over northern and central Philippines.
Tropical Cyclone Ewiniar has strengthened in the South China Sea, blanketing Hainan Island with bands of thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall in southeastern China's mainland and dissipate quickly, prompting severe weather warnings.
Researchers propose 'anomalous moist enthalpy advection mechanism' to explain WNPAC formation. This new theory suggests that atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics drive WNPAC maintenance, rather than local air-sea interactions.