Articles tagged with Ocean Currents
A team of researchers analyzed effective population size measures to reveal crucial considerations for recovering the southern sea otter population. The findings highlight the importance of accurate estimates to ensure species recovery.
A study published in ZooKeys reveals that a population of guppies was introduced to an oceanic archipelago in Brazil through human activity. The researchers suggest that the species was likely brought to the island as part of an effort to control mosquito populations, but cannot rule out natural dispersal as a possibility.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions would significantly reduce sea level rise globally by the end of the century, especially for coastal cities on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cities like New York, Boston, London, and others would see substantial benefits from emission reductions.
Ocean conditions off the US West Coast are returning to average after a marine heat wave, but salmon catches remain depressed. Feeding conditions have improved for sea lions and seabirds, while plankton species have shifted back towards fat-rich, cool-water species beneficial for fish growth.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer detected coldest cloud top temperatures in the tropical cyclone, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. Tropical Cyclone 11S is expected to rapidly intensify due to warm waters and low vertical wind shear.
A study predicts that King penguins will face massive population crashes due to increased food travel distances, potentially leading to extinctions. However, the birds' ability to adapt and find new breeding locations may help them survive.
Researchers discovered that dumbo octopods hatch as competent juveniles with fully formed fins and advanced organ development. The findings suggest a significant shift in the understanding of their life cycle, highlighting the complexity and uniqueness of deep-sea creatures.
Researchers from NSF LTER sites present findings on coastal and ocean ecosystems, including salt marsh resilience and the impact of sea ice patterns on penguin populations. The study also investigates the diet of blue whales in the California Current and the effects of El Niño events on marine ecosystems.
A study published in Nature Communications finds a correlation between Atlantic Ocean surface currents and rainfall patterns in the Western Hemisphere, both in the past and present. The research suggests that changes in ocean currents can influence global climate and may have far-reaching impacts on future climate change.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a novel solution to prevent plastic waste. They propose using nano-engineering to create a recyclable material that can replace complex multi-layered packaging, mimicking nature's use of few molecular building blocks.
A new study published in PNAS shows that ocean currents can concentrate marine debris, known as flotsam, into small areas. This phenomenon has implications for ocean cleanup projects and could help predict where concentrations will occur.
The California sea lion population has fully rebounded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), reaching carrying capacity in 2008. The species' recovery reflects an important success for the MMPA, which recognized marine mammals as a central element of their ocean ecosystems.
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate extreme winter weather events that led to unprecedented sea ice melting. A unique combination of air currents and high-pressure systems accelerated the melting, reducing sea ice thickness by 30 centimeters in some areas.
Research reveals that increasing CO2 levels are causing widespread effects on freshwater ecosystems, leading to a decrease in pH and negatively affecting keystone species like Daphnia. The study found that rising pCO2 can impair the water fleas' ability to detect predators and produce defensive features.
A new international study found that plankton's body size and ocean currents are crucial in determining their dispersal in the ocean. The larger the plankton, the smaller the connection between distant communities. Climate change is rapidly warming marine waters, making it essential to understand how this affects biological communities.
A new study reveals that plankton body size negatively affects its dispersal scale, with smaller species being more dispersed by ocean currents. This understanding is crucial for predicting how marine ecosystems will respond to global change.
Researchers developed a method to measure ocean temperatures over the last 24'000 years with high accuracy using noble gases in Antarctic ice cores. The study shows that the concentration of noble gases in the atmosphere is strongly correlated with the average ocean temperature, allowing conclusions to be drawn about past climate states.
A two-year study in Monterey Canyon challenged existing paradigms on turbidity currents, finding sediment-transport events are more common and complex than previously thought. Researchers observed multiple turbidity currents with large-scale movements of the entire seafloor, which changed character as they moved down-canyon.
Ocean researchers discovered 'smoke rings' that can transport small marine life at high speeds across vast distances. These linked eddies are ten times faster than regular ocean currents and were found in the Tasman Sea and South Atlantic.
Researchers tracked 19 loggerhead turtles in the South Atlantic Ocean, discovering they don't passively ride currents but instead swim to remain offshore. The study sheds light on the 'lost years' of sea turtle life cycle, where young turtles survive several years at sea before returning closer to shore as large juveniles.
Researchers developed a computer simulation tool to predict short-term flood hazards on coral reefs and assess longer-term impacts from climate change. A rare 'esker' was discovered on Mars, indicating recent water flows despite cold climates.
Researchers have discovered a 'shadow zone' around 2km below the sea surface where ancient water has remained isolated for centuries. This region's unique shape and geothermal heat sources trap ocean water, suspended in an area with minimal vertical movement.
A study by EPFL and European researchers found that past ocean temperatures may have remained relatively stable over the past 100 million years. This challenges decades of paleoclimate research and raises concerns about current levels of climate change.
A research article reveals that a warmer ocean surface in central-eastern Baffin Bay triggered the ice retreat of Jakobshavn Isbrå ice stream during the Younger Dryas period. The study used marine fossil diatoms to reconstruct past sea surface conditions, finding warmer sea surface temperatures and less-extensive sea ice cover.
Researchers found a strong correlation between waste disposal in catchment areas and plastic loads in rivers. Large river systems contribute significantly to ocean pollution due to higher concentrations of plastic particles per cubic meter of water.
A new study reveals that commercial fishing is a major cause of New Zealand sea lion decline, contrary to government assumptions. The research found that sea-lion exclusion devices have not effectively reduced bycatch, and instead may be hiding deaths or causing injury.
A review of geological evidence in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that up to 90% of tsunami events may have been misinterpreted as storm activity. The study, published in Science Advances, reevaluates 135 past events and finds that most dates for tsunamis peaked every 1500 years, coinciding with severe storms.
Researchers publish high-resolution data on particle density in equatorial Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, finding that particle density increases again in 300-600 meters of water depth due to daily migratory behavior of plankton organisms. This challenges previous assumptions about the flow of particles into the deep sea.
Researchers suggest open-ocean wind farms can sustain higher electricity generation rates than on-land wind farms due to kinetic energy reservoir access. Annual global energy demand could be met with commercial-scale open-ocean wind turbines spanning approximately 3 million square kilometers.
Researchers found that the same mathematical principles governing topological insulators also drive equatorial waves in the ocean, explaining their persistence despite weather disturbances. This discovery could lead to new ways of identifying climate dynamics and deepening scientists' understanding of the Earth's climate system.
Researchers used satellite imagery and simulations to explore the role of currents in the Red Sea biosphere, finding significant variability in eddies that facilitate transport and dispersal. The study's findings suggest water circulation patterns play a significant role in determining the distribution of Red Sea clownfish populations.
The Weddell Sea has formed a large ice-free area, supporting the Kiel climate model. This natural phenomenon plays a crucial role in sea ice formation and deep water circulation. Scientists closely monitor its occurrence to improve climate models and differentiate between natural variability and human-induced changes.
The Newport Line, a decades-long ocean monitoring program off the Pacific Northwest coast, has been recognized for its significant contributions to marine science. The PICES Ocean Monitoring Service Award acknowledges the program's value in understanding climate patterns, salmon returns, and ocean currents.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers have developed turbines to convert ocean wave energy into clean, renewable electricity. By harnessing the power of Kuroshio ocean currents and waves, they aim to generate 10 gigawatts of energy, equivalent to 10 nuclear power plants.
Researchers aim to unravel the underlying physical mechanisms driving SST warming in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Despite various studies, a consensus on the dominant mechanism remains elusive due to limited data and conflicting explanations.
Researchers used a Wave Glider to collect data on the Southern Ocean's mixing patterns, which are key to understanding climate change. The autonomous platform successfully traversed the turbulent Drake Passage, gathering insights into ocean physics and heat energy mixing.
A new study reveals a majority of sea turtle populations are increasing, thanks to conservation efforts since the 1950s. Despite six species still listed as endangered, population trends show significant upward growth in most regions.
A new study from the European Commission Joint Research Centre found no significant long-term trend in the Black Sea's average surface water temperature. However, there was a positive trend at 50 meters below the surface, suggesting warming of deeper waters.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.
Hurricane Jose is producing dangerous surf and rip currents along the US east coast, with Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches in effect for several states. Satellite imagery shows the storm's asymmetric cloud pattern, indicating it is losing some tropical characteristics.
Tropical Storm Jose is producing high surf and life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East coast, with swells affecting Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane in the next 48 hours, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph.
The Gulf of Maine is warming at a rate of 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade, with summer temperatures increasing by two months in the last three decades. This has significant implications for marine species such as lobster and herring, which are shifting their distribution patterns in response to the changing climate.
A 1°C warming of the Antarctic Ocean led to a single pioneer species dominating the community, driving a reduction in overall species diversity and evenness. Marine organisms also responded with increased growth rates, particularly in warmer months.
The Caspian Sea has been slowly evaporating over the past two decades, with water levels dropping nearly 7 centimeters per year from 1996 to 2015. This increase in evaporation is linked to rising surface air temperatures associated with climate change.
New study reveals that methane leaks around North Sea boreholes could be a major source of greenhouse gases, with up to 17,000 tonnes released per year. Scientists estimate that about one third of the over 11,000 wells drilled in the North Sea are leaking methane.
Scientists use radioactive 129I to track ocean currents in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The tracer's long half-life allows precise tracking of water circulation patterns, including the 'Arctic loop' and deep-water flows southward to Bermuda.
A study by UCSB marine scientists reveals the world's oceans have sufficient space to produce 15 billion metric tons of finfish annually, meeting global demand using less than 1% of ocean surface. Aquaculture could support human livelihoods and economic growth while providing food security.
A new study suggests that a tiny fraction of oceans, approximately 0.025 percent, could satisfy the world's fish demand through sustainable aquaculture. The research identifies tropical countries with high production potential, where food security issues are prevalent, as key areas for development.
A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals current threats to ocean health, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, and conservation efforts. The research also highlights the importance of integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas in mitigating these issues.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a framework that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to navigate strong currents with greater energy efficiency. This improvement allows AUVs to gather data for longer periods, revolutionizing oceanography research.
Researchers discovered that sea spiders use gut peristalsis to move blood and oxygen throughout their bodies, not hearts. This unique system allows for efficient gas transport and highlights the diversity of solutions in animal physiology.
A study by Oregon State University scientists reveals a perfect combination of tides and wind responsible for the krill hotspot. Krill aggregations are delivered close to shore by tidal currents and winds, benefiting Adélie penguin breeding colonies. This natural phenomenon supports incredible biodiversity in the Antarctic region.
Scripps researcher Nick Pizzo found the exact location on a wave where a surfer gains maximum speed, enabling better forecasting of weather and climate. The study also sheds light on the energy transfer between waves and the atmosphere.
A new study found that nearly 10% of the world's total catch in the last decade was discarded due to poor fishing practices and inadequate management. The discarded fish could have been put to better use, highlighting the need for improved fisheries management and new technology to reduce waste.
Researchers propose a new theory on how waves mix and stir the ocean, bringing cold water to the surface. The study explains how internal waves direct themselves based on topography, shedding light on climate-dependent ocean circulation patterns.
A new study by researchers at Princeton and Rutgers universities found that sea-level rise will amplify moderate flooding in the southeastern US, while exacerbating severe flooding in areas like Seattle. Cities may need to prepare for more frequent severe events rather than common but less severe floods.
Astronomers from Cornell University and NASA have found evidence that Enceladus' axis has reoriented by about 55 degrees, suggesting an asteroid impact may have triggered the change. The moon's south pole is geologically young and active, while the north pole appears older and covered in craters.
The 2015-2016 El Niño event was characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, with blue regions representing colder and red regions warmer temperatures. The El Niño-inducing westerlies caused eastward currents to occur in pulses.
A new study reveals that ocean currents affect how climate change impacts species' distributions, leading to changes in ecosystems and human health implications. Species expand their range faster when ocean currents match the direction of warming.
A new study models sea-level rise along North America's East Coast, including the impact of Greenland and Antarctica's melting ice. The researchers found that contributions to ocean volume from ice melt accelerate sea levels in the southern U.S. East Coast, while changing ocean dynamics drive rises in the northern part.