Articles tagged with Ocean Currents
Sea ice physicists project a possible record-low Arctic sea ice extent this summer, with thin ice unlikely to survive the melting season. The CryoSat-2 satellite data shows that arctic sea ice was unusually thin in 2015 and grew slowly during the past winter.
Phytoplankton can spread globally in under a decade, while pollution can become a problem within years. The study's model, using Dijkstra's algorithm, confirmed travel times for real-world objects like plastic debris and radioactive particles.
Steve Elgar, a physical oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been awarded a National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship to study surf zone processes. His research aims to develop numerical models that simulate wave dynamics and predict coastal flooding, beach erosion, and rip currents.
The UGA Skidaway Institute is investigating the dynamic forces of Cape Hatteras waters, which are crucial for understanding global carbon cycling and climate change. The PEACH project uses a combination of shore- and ocean-based instruments to record surface currents and subsurface information.
University of South Florida researchers discovered a determining factor in red tide occurrences: coastal ocean circulation on the West Florida Continental Shelf. The Gulf of Mexico Loop Current's position determines the likelihood and severity of red tides.
Researchers analyzed old tourist photos to reconstruct the rise and fall of common guillemot populations on Stora Karlsö. The study found a significant increase in population size, with numbers more than five times bigger than in the early 20th century.
Research by McGill University and the University of Rhode Island reveals that wind patterns change along with sea-surface temperatures, masking the impact on Western Europe's wintertime temperatures. The study suggests that distinct atmospheric pathways may be hiding the ocean oscillation from Europe in winter.
Researchers have found that the flux of organic matter to the seafloor was reduced for a shorter time than previously thought, with evidence suggesting that some food must have reached the seabed despite mass extinctions. The study used foraminiferal isotopes from a deep-sea core in the South Atlantic to investigate this paradox.
A new study suggests that pyroclastic flows from a 18.8 million-year-old supervolcano eruption traveled in dense, slow-moving currents, covering over 100 miles. The research supports the idea that these flows are fluid-like, with pressurized gas between ash particles, and has implications for disaster preparedness efforts.
A team from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has designed a hybrid ocean-current turbine that can provide consistent and reliable energy. The turbine operates in the middle layer of the Kuroshio Current, where waters flow calmly and steadily, making it suitable for regions regularly devastated by storms.
A new study found that El Niño events transport waterborne diseases like cholera thousands of miles across oceans. The research suggests links between organisms causing illnesses in Asia and those emerging in Latin America.
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre use GPS reflections to measure sea surface height from space for the first time. This technique provides a new way to monitor ocean currents by detecting variations in sea surface height caused by currents.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that a warm ocean surface water prevailed during the last ice age, causing gradual climate changes. The Nordic seas, just south of Iceland, followed an Antarctic pattern of warming and cooling, contradicting previous 'seesaw' hypothesis.
Researchers tracked shark movements and longline fishing vessels in the North Atlantic finding significant overlap, driving shark declines. The study suggests catch quotas or size limits will be necessary to protect oceanic sharks from commercial fishing.
A new study found that the Loop Current plays a crucial role in sustaining Florida red tide blooms. The researchers discovered that when the Loop Current is in a northern position, it allows a bloom to continue under favorable conditions, but a southern position prevents it from being sustained.
Researchers found that marine creatures in Arctic fjords migrate vertically by moonlight to avoid predators, and this behavior is observed across the entire Arctic. The lunar cycle drives these migrations, with zooplankton sinking to depths of 50 meters every 29.5 days during full moon.
The ORCAS field campaign aims to understand the role of the Southern Ocean in absorbing excess carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. By tracking oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, scientists will gain insights into the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink.
A study spanning six continents found that lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, outpacing ocean and atmospheric warming rates. This rapid heating threatens algal blooms, water resources, and fisheries globally.
A new study by geologist Christoph Korte elucidated a previously unknown major temperature change during the Jurassic period. The researchers found that changes in ocean currents, particularly the uplift of the North Sea Dome, led to reduced heat transport to the Arctic region and altered local fauna distribution.
A team of international experts found that a large-scale volcanic event restricted ocean flow, leading to an extended Ice Age in the Jurassic Period. This cooling occurred despite the period's warm conditions, contradicting previous assumptions about CO2-driven climate change.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are exploring the potential impact of Antarctica's ice sheet melting on global climate. They will use a high-resolution ocean model to simulate iceberg calving and freshwater discharge, which could disrupt ocean currents and circulation in the North Atlantic.
A recent study reveals that over 50% of tropical plant specimens are likely to be incorrectly named, raising concerns about the reliability of biodiversity data. Researchers estimate it takes £500 to revise a species, suggesting a feasible solution to address this issue.
Researchers at FAU found that global warming in Earth's history occurred at a similar rate to today. The team analyzed climate changes over the past 250 million years and discovered that rapid fluctuations were invisible but not absent. Current temperature increases appear slower due to longer observation periods.
The Nordic Seas started cooling towards modern temperatures in the early Pliocene, 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. This occurred half a million years before the global oceans cooled, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
Typhoon Champi features a 36-nautical-mile-wide eye that was visible from NASA's Aqua satellite on October 22, 2015. The eye's cloud top temperatures exceeded minus 63F, indicating strong storms with heavy rainfall potential.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences discovered that evaporation occurs differently than previously thought. The Hertz-Knudsen equation was found to be incorrect, and a new understanding of evaporation's role in global warming has been gained.
A new method estimates fish movements using ocean heat content images, revealing detailed movements not apparent with surface temperature data. The analysis shows large migratory fishes have affinities for ocean fronts and eddies, similar to hurricanes.
Scientists will analyze the current El Niño event using NASA's suite of orbiting Earth-observing missions, providing insights into its global impacts. The study aims to better understand the connections between El Niño and extreme weather patterns, such as fires and floods.
The Coordinated Canyon Experiment is an international effort to study sediment movement in Monterey Canyon. Researchers will place dozens of instruments on the seafloor to measure currents, sediment concentrations, and physical properties of seawater, as well as track underwater avalanches and turbidity currents.
A new study has found that changes in the polar regions can significantly affect the ocean and climate on the opposite side of the world, far quicker than previously thought. The research linked ocean currents to climate conditions during the last ice age, revealing a tight connection between the two.
Scientists have developed a new technique to measure the speed of internal waves below the ocean surface using a single satellite image. This allows for more accurate information to be obtained from satellites, enabling researchers to track ocean currents and objects moving on or below the surface.
A team of geologists from GEOMAR and Spanish institutions presented an explanation for the smaller-than-expected 2014 Iquique earthquake. Seamounts in the region, which subduct under the South American plate, actively deformed the interface and reduced stress buildup, resulting in a smaller earthquake.
Research found that changes in ocean circulation due to Antarctica's temperature had a profound impact on the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere. When temperatures dropped, nutrient-rich waters rose closer to the Antarctic continent, allowing phytoplankton to thrive and absorb more CO2.
A recent study reveals that offshore wind farms could be more risky for gannets than previously believed, with the birds' feeding grounds overlapping extensively with planned wind farm sites. The researchers estimate that up to 1,500 breeding birds could be killed each year at two planned wind farms.
A NASA study found a significant decline in microscopic plant-life, including diatoms, in the world's oceans over the past 15 years. The reduction may impact the ocean's ability to draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it for long-term, leading to climate change.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Linda are spreading northward into northern Baja California and parts of the southwestern US, triggering shower and thunderstorm activity. Moisture from the remnant low is expected to bring increased risk of rip currents and dangerous high surf to Southern California coastline.
Typhoon Kilo is a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds near 75 mph, according to NASA's RapidScat data. The storm is moving northwest and is expected to transition to an extra-tropical storm as it moves into the Sea of Okhotsk.
The study identifies the exact composition of sea snake venom, making the development of synthetic antivenoms more realistic. This could lead to a future production of synthetic antivenoms for as little as $10-100, potentially saving millions of lives.
Researchers have found that a 12,000-year-old climate shift in northern latitudes occurred rapidly, while equatorial regions took hundreds of years to respond. This discovery can help scientists understand the relationship between temperature and precipitation in the face of climate change.
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current began its eastern flow through the Southern Ocean 30 million years ago, driven by the Tasmanian gateway's alignment with mid-latitude westerly wind bands. This massive ocean current transports heat and salt around the world, shaping regional climates.
Researchers argue that internal natural variability can overwhelm background warming, making temperature plateauing rates appear significant. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation and other factors contribute to these variations, which must be considered when developing climate change models.
Researchers at Nova Southeastern University found that localized derby efforts are insufficient to curb the lionfish population, emphasizing the need for consistent removal across all areas of their habitat. The study recommends targeting all lionfish ages and sizes, as well as considering ocean currents' impact on larvae spread.
The Galápagos penguin population has doubled over the past 30 years due to changes in wind currents and ocean temperatures. This expansion of the cold pool, where sea surface temperatures are below 22 degrees Celsius, has bolstered algae and fish numbers, supporting the penguin population.
Researchers analyzed data from airborne sensors deployed during Hurricane Isaac's passage, revealing a downwelling of warm waters that deepened the storm's fuel tank. The study also showed how hurricane-generated currents and eddies can transport oil and other pollutants to coastal beaches.
A new study finds Pribilof Canyon in the Bering Sea to contain dense populations of deep-sea corals and sponges, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts. The research also suggests that restrictions on bottom-contact fishing can be implemented without significantly impacting the commercial fishing industry.
Hurricane Dolores is a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 115mph, affecting Mexico's Revillagigedo Islands and generating rough surf. The storm is forecast to weaken gradually over the next 24 hours before moving into colder waters.
Hurricane Dolores was a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph, affecting southwestern Mexico and Baja California peninsula. The storm is expected to continue moving westward, with some strengthening possible during the night of July 14.
Research from the University of Washington finds that seafloor hot springs provide a significant source of iron to the world's oceans. The dissolved metals are carried by deep-sea currents for decades, supporting phytoplankton growth and impacting global ocean chemistry.
The Mediterranean loggerhead and green turtle populations are threatened by human-induced threats, with a bycatch rate of up to 200,000 loggerheads per year. Researchers emphasize the importance of rescue centers and first-aid stations, calling for improved communication and collaboration among existing centers.
Scientists developed a computer model that studies ocean mixing in vast eddies, clarifying the complex processes driving ocean storms. The model enables researchers to study heat and carbon fluxes into the deep ocean, increasing global climate simulation accuracy.
The National Oceanography Centre is part of a European Union-funded consortium providing a world-class marine monitoring and forecasting service. The NWS service will utilize data from six research organisations to predict the shelf sea environment, benefiting social and economic interests.
A new study finds that genetic differences between American eels that feed in freshwater and brackish environments explain their decline. The research identifies 99 genes associated with growth rate, heart development, and smell, highlighting the importance of genetics in determining eel survival.
A study published in Nature reveals that ocean circulation is driving decadal-scale climatic change, with a potential half-degree cooler phase bringing drier summers in Britain and Ireland. The Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) influences temperature, rainfall, drought, and hurricane frequency worldwide.
The Tara Oceans expedition has cataloged over 35,000 planktonic samples from 210 stations worldwide, uncovering a vast reservoir of uncharted genetic diversity in marine plankton communities. Ocean temperatures appear to be the main factor driving plankton community makeup.
CIMAS, a 10-member research consortium based at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, has received a $125 million award from NOAA to fund its activities over the next five years. The renewed partnership will focus on improving hurricane forecasting, ecosystem-based ocean management, and climate prediction.
Tropical Storm Dolphin is developing into a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 50-65 knots (54-74 mph) and wave heights of up to 18 feet. The storm is predicted to reach Guam by Friday with winds of 80 knots (92 mph), prompting a tropical storm watch for Fananu, Chuuk State.
Researchers discovered that a 55 million-year-old ocean current, formed by the North Atlantic's shape and changes in ocean currents, caused more severe acidification than other oceans during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum. This event may have implications for today's climate sensitivity to increasing carbon dioxide.
A 55-million-year-old global warming event triggered a highly corrosive deep-water current in the North Atlantic Ocean. Researchers recreated the ocean basins and land masses of that time using a global climate model to understand how this event occurred.
Researchers found that ocean currents strongly affect methane-consuming bacterial populations in Arctic cold seeps, controlling their prevalence and methane consumption rates. Fluctuations in these communities were linked to changes in water temperature and salinity.
A new ice core from West Antarctica shows a consistent pattern of climate changes starting in the Arctic and spreading to the Antarctic during the last glacial period. Ocean currents played a key role in redistributing heat between hemispheres, influencing past climates and providing insights into predicting future warming.