Articles tagged with Ocean Currents
A team of international marine researchers found evidence of a sharp decline in coral diversity near the equator, with only 50-60% of species present further away. The study suggests that warming temperatures may lead to corals retreating towards the poles during warm periods and retracting towards the equator in cooler times.
A new study using 3D models shows that chemical dispersants injected into the Macondo wellhead had little effect on preventing oil from reaching the sea surface. The researchers found that the oil droplets were too small for the dispersants to have a significant impact.
Researchers at MIT developed a new method to predict Arctic sea ice extent by combining models and observations, revealing an important interaction between sea ice and ocean currents. The study provides a valuable tool for climate scientists and industries, enabling better prediction of sea-ice growth and transport.
Researchers unveil creative technologies to capture kinetic energy in Florida's oceans, convert waste thermal energy to electricity, and develop nanophosphor-based grow lights. These innovations could change our sources of energy and improve indoor agriculture.
A comprehensive register of marine species reveals approximately 226,000 identified species and up to 65,000 awaiting description. This comprehensive inventory provides a foundation for conservation efforts and estimates of extinction rates.
Research shows that warmer oceans will cause phytoplankton populations to thrive near the poles and shrink in equatorial waters, leading to significant changes in the food chain and global carbon cycles. This shift could have measurable consequences for the world's climate.
Researchers, led by Dr. Emily Shuckburgh, apply mathematical ideas from dynamical systems to analyze circulation in the Southern Ocean. Mixing of water with different properties is a key determinant in heat uptake by oceans.
A study by Dr. Grace Saba and professor Deborah Steinberg reveals that small forage fish can transport significant amounts of carbon from the surface to depth via their fecal pellets, which sink at rates of hundreds to thousands of feet per day.
Researchers discovered Arctic crustaceans migrate below sea ice during winter nights, using deep-ocean currents to reach colder areas. This adaptation increases survival and enables them to remain in the Arctic Ocean, a key finding that challenges previous perceptions of ice fauna's vulnerability.
A study led by Iliana Baums found that coral larvae are unable to traverse the Eastern Pacific Barrier, corroborating Charles Darwin's 1880 prediction. The research has significant implications for climate-change research, species-preservation efforts, and economic stability in the eastern Pacific region.
Researchers Kevin Speer and John Marshall suggest that the majority of ocean heat transport occurs in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, driven by strong winds. This finding could significantly impact our understanding of global climate processes.
A study on sea lampreys reveals that they undergo programmed genome rearrangement and gene loss during early development, sealing away potentially deleterious genes. This discovery builds on previous research and may provide insights into how vertebrate genomes remain stable, with potential implications for human health.
A team of marine scientists warns that life in the world's oceans is facing a major shock due to human activities. The researchers have compared past extinctions with current trends, finding that global warming, acidification, and pollution are driving mass extinctions today, similar to those that occurred 500 million years ago.
The increasing concentration of atmospheric CO2 is impacting marine ecosystems, causing ocean acidification and warming. Unconventional conservation methods are necessary to save marine species from extinction.
Tropical Storm Haikui is heading towards landfall in southeastern China, bringing strong winds, flooding, and coastal erosion. The storm's size and shape are being monitored by NASA's Aqua satellite, which captured a detailed image of its ragged eye.
A team of scientists has discovered a method of how carbon is drawn down from the surface of the Southern Ocean to deep waters, utilizing winds, currents, and eddies. This understanding improves knowledge of climate change effects on ocean carbon absorption.
Researchers found that localized pathways created by winds, currents, and eddies draw waters down into the deep ocean, locking away carbon from the atmosphere. This improved understanding helps predict effects of climate change on ocean carbon absorption.
A new study suggests that the fin whale population in the Mediterranean Sea is smaller and more limited in distribution than previously estimated. The research highlights the impact of human activity on the species' survival, including collisions with merchant vessels and noise pollution.
A 3-week research expedition, GLAD experiment, will map surface currents that transport pollutants. The study aims to improve oil spill and at-sea emergency response by investigating pollutant transport and deposition along the Gulf of Mexico.
The EIFEX experiment showed that a substantial proportion of carbon from the induced algal bloom sank to the deep sea floor. This is remarkable because the bloom developed in a 100-meter deep mixed layer, much deeper than previously believed.
A two-year study published in PLOS ONE found that the largest oil spill on open water, combined with cold freshwater from snowmelt, led to historically high dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of young dolphins (perinatal strandings) washed ashore along the Mississippi-Alabama coast.
Remnants of Hurricane Emilia appear as a light swirl of clouds about 800 miles east-southeast of Hilo, moving west at close to 20 mph. Conditions are not favorable for re-development, and the storm is expected to weaken to depression status in cooler waters.
A University of Miami-led study found that wind-induced surface drift significantly influenced the displacement of oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. The simulation results correctly predicted the final destination of the oil along the Northern Gulf coastline, matching observations.
A study finds that the Agulhas rings drive the eastward branch of AMOC deep water transport. A prediction system to protect astronauts from solar storms has been designed and assessed.
Researchers from Lund University call for abandonment of geo-engineering efforts to mix oxygen into the Deep Baltic due to unforeseen effects. The Baltic Sea is experiencing hypoxia, and while geo-engineering schemes promise short-term improvements, they are also potentially dangerous.
Two NASA visualizations have been selected for the SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival: a lunar surface tour and an animation illustrating how the sun drives Earth's ocean currents. The festival highlights the best in computer graphics and technical research, with the chosen animations meeting strict guidelines.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in measuring ocean currents between North Atlantic and Nordic Seas, providing new insights into global ocean circulation. Additionally, a team has successfully observed the entire thermal infrared spectrum of atmospheric gases for the first time, shedding light on greenhouse gas absorption.
Researchers used sediment cores to study climate conditions during the Eemian period, which may not be a suitable analogue for current climate change. The Atlantic Ocean showed higher-than-Holocene temperature signals, while the Nordic Seas indicated cold conditions, suggesting a significant difference in oceanic circulation.
Barbara Block's research on large predators in the California Current has led to groundbreaking discoveries about marine hotspots and migratory highways. Her award-winning project aims to protect these areas by building 'predator cafés' and increasing public awareness through real-time tracking data.
New research reveals that simulating weather and water conditions before a race can predict a yacht's behavior with accuracy, giving sailors a competitive advantage. The study uses virtual simulation to model resistance on the hull, comparing results with physical tests.
The end-Permian crisis, the most dramatic biological crisis in Earth's history, lasted for around 10 million years to fully recover. Life recovered slowly due to intense environmental shocks and grim conditions on Earth.
Researchers found a weak point in the Weddell Sea where warm waters can reach the ice shelf, causing it to melt rapidly and potentially leading to ice streams draining into the ocean. This could result in an additional rise in global sea level of 4.4 millimeters per year.
Researchers found genetic similarities between Antarctic octopuses from separated regions, supporting the theory of a past ice sheet collapse. The study suggests that warming climate periods allowed for dispersal of creatures between areas now separated by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
A new study by British Antarctic Survey reveals that warm ocean currents are the dominant cause of recent ice loss from Antarctica. The research found that 20 out of 54 ice shelves around Antarctica are being melted by warm ocean currents, most of which are in West Antarctica.
A new study using measurements from NASA's ICESat satellite reveals that warm ocean currents are the dominant cause of recent ice loss from Antarctica. This finding brings scientists closer to providing reliable projections of future sea level rise.
Research reveals that corals can adapt to changing ocean conditions by shifting species composition, which could help reefs survive climate change. However, this shift may lead to loss of habitat for fish and other marine life.
The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity, is under threat from human pressures such as overfishing, tourism, and shipping traffic. Despite progress made in addressing environmental issues, concerted action remains a challenge due to regional differences.
A University of Rhode Island oceanographer is leading an effort to partner with the global shipping industry to collect detailed ocean data on commercial vessels. The proposed OceanScope initiative aims to fill observational deficiencies in the ocean, particularly below the surface, where satellites cannot measure properties.
An international research team found elevated levels of radioactive substances in the Pacific Ocean, reflecting the complex nature of the marine environment. While levels of radioactivity in marine life were below concern for humans and organisms, long-term impacts on the ecosystem remain unclear.
Researchers found that future generations will have to deal with sea levels 12-22 meters (40-70 feet) higher than at present, even if global warming is limited to 2 degrees C. The study suggests that the Earth's great ice sheets are highly sensitive to temperature change and could lead to a large sea-level rise.
Researchers will use hydrodynamic computer modeling to evaluate tsunami currents and their effects on ports and harbors in California. The study aims to create hazard maps and determine safe evacuation depths to mitigate damage caused by these late-arriving surges.
A team of MIT engineers has created a mathematical procedure that can optimize path planning for automated underwater vehicles (AUVs) even in regions with complex shorelines and strong shifting currents. The system can provide paths optimized for the shortest travel time, minimum energy use, or maximum data collection.
Tropical Storm Irina weakened due to interaction with southwestern Madagascar and wind shear. The storm is expected to intensify over the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel before making landfall.
Researchers assessed climate change events over 300 million years, finding current ocean acidification is potentially unparalleled. Laboratory experiments suggest impacts on marine organisms, including slower growth and dissolution of carbonate shells.
Scientists have tracked water from Bass Strait to the Indian Ocean using ocean gliders, revealing a 200-metre tall wall of water and discovering undiluted Bass Strait water hundreds of kilometres away. The study showcases the benefits of Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System.
The Tasman Sea has become a global warming hotspot, with ocean temperatures rising two degrees warmer than 60 years ago due to intensified east-west winds and greenhouse gas emissions. A long-term monitoring network is needed to track these changes.
Louis St. Laurent of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution received the 2012 Nicholas P. Fofonoff Award for his groundbreaking research on small-scale mixing processes and dynamical processes involved. The award recognizes his fundamental contributions to understanding ocean dynamics.
NOAA scientists predict debris from the Japanese tsunami may reach US shores this winter, posing a challenge for responders to track and predict its location. The agency is coordinating with partners to collect data and prepare for various scenarios.
A recent study found that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels plummeted by 40% before and during the formation of Antarctica's ice sheet 34 million years ago. This confirms the power of CO2 to dramatically alter global climate, with significant falls in the greenhouse gas resulting in global cooling.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has released its latest science and technology strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of autonomous systems and speed-to-fleet in meeting future naval requirements. The plan also highlights initiatives to increase the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers.
Climate change is expected to force sea creatures to migrate several hundred kilometres to find suitable habitats, driven by rising water temperatures and seasonal changes. This poses significant challenges for marine biodiversity hotspots and fisheries management.
A new three-year study aims to better understand the Arctic ocean and sea ice system, predicting its future changes and their implications for the UK and globally. The research will investigate how the seasonal removal of sea ice cover affects winds, currents, and ocean temperatures.
Scientists predict a faster retreat for Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier within 20 years as it detaches from an underwater ridge. The glacier's grounding line is being exposed to warm ocean currents, leading to increased melting and potential sea level rise.
Researchers have collected rare boninite lava at the West Mata volcano, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of subduction zones. The discovery offers a unique opportunity to study the chemical and mineralogical variations of this ancient rock type in a pristine specimen.
Professor Lynn Shay has been elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for his outstanding contributions to atmospheric and oceanic sciences. His research focuses on upper ocean impacts on hurricane intensity changes, and he has published over 85 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Researchers tracked changes in ionosphere during a solar eclipse, finding acoustic waves with periods of 3-5 minutes originating from the Moon's shadow. Groundwater depletion has also contributed to sea level rise, with 1,100 cubic km pumped out between 2000 and 2008.
A new study reveals that warming seas are changing the composition of fish communities in the northeast Atlantic, with southerly species dominating and colder species declining. The analysis of data from over a million fish across 28 years shows a significant increase in warm-water species and a decrease in cold-adapted species.
Scientists have confirmed the presence of the North Icelandic Jet (NIJ), a deep-ocean circulation system off Iceland that contributes to key components of ocean circulation. The NIJ is a major contributor to the Denmark Strait Overflow Water, critically important for regulating Earth's climate.
Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.
Researchers confirm presence of a deep-reaching ocean circulation system off Iceland that influences the ocean's response to climate change in unprecedented ways. The North Icelandic Jet contributes to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, transporting warm surface water and affecting global climate patterns.