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Warming of Antarctic deep-sea waters contribute to sea level rise in North Atlantic, study finds

A new study found that human-induced environmental changes around Antarctica are contributing to sea level rise in the North Atlantic. The research team analyzed two decades of oceanographic data and found a 12% weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation deep water limb.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2024

How extratropical ocean-atmosphere interactions can contribute to the variability of jet streams in the Northern Hemisphere

Researchers from Kyushu University found that ocean-atmosphere coupling enhances teleconnection patterns, leading to more meandering jet streams and extreme weather events. The study highlights the significance of extratropical ocean-atmosphere interactions in climate variability.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2024

Why regional differences in global warming are critical

New data analysis reveals that regional temperature patterns are crucial for evaluating climate models, with warmer temperatures in the North Atlantic and a cooler North Atlantic found to be more accurate. This approach provides better insights into the spatial impact of climate change and its effects on ecosystems and human societies.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2023

Ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton

A recent study found that ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton, with negative consequences for marine ecosystems. The research suggests that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are the main driver of this decline, while ocean warming may be mitigating this effect.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

How weather phenomena affect ocean circulation

Research investigates impact of storm fronts, tropical storms, and cyclones on ocean circulation, finding changes in atmospheric synoptic variability (ASV) slow down ocean circulation and decrease primary productivity. ASV variations also affect mixing of ocean's layers and strength of oceanic circulation systems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

Rio Pará contributes high trace metal concentrations to the Amazon estuary

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.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2023

Gloomy climate calculation: Scientists predict a collapse of the Atlantic ocean current to happen mid-century

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2023

Study advances understanding of anthropogenic effects on climate change

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2023

Significant citizen participation: Study examines the fate of plastic particles

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.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Ancient forests, seaways, and climate: Lessons from the miocene for today's world

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPalaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology·DateMar 30, 2023

Climate change could cause “disaster” in the world’s oceans, say UC Irvine scientists

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 4, 2023

Salt more important than cold polar temperatures in sea ice formation

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Deeper understanding of the icy depths

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

Earth’s warming hole not indication of abrupt climate change event, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2022

Significant increase in freshwater entering Arctic Ocean through Bering Strait

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Sleeping giant could end deep ocean life

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2022

NCAR study identifies where coral reefs may be buffered against warming oceans

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.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Scientists explain why meridional heat transport is underestimated

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 20, 2022

Ocean seafloor identified as the ultimate sink for marine plastics

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022

Marine mollusc shells reveal how prehistoric humans adapted to intense climate change

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022

Western Pacific tropical easterly jet significantly modulates tropical cyclone genesis over the western North Pacific

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 28, 2022

Exploring fish flow from fisheries to supper

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...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 21, 2022

Natural variability in Pacific Ocean drives decade-long intensification in Pacific walker circulation

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.

Why extinctions ran amok in ancient oceans, and why they slowed down

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...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Stationary waves and tropical cyclone variability

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Anthropogenic CO2 increase is unprecedented

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.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020