Articles tagged with Oceanography
A recent study reveals that persons captured in medieval raids into present-day Finland, Russian Karelia, and the Baltic Countries were sold on remote trade routes extending to Central Asia. The demand for blonde girls and boys as exotic luxury items drove this trade, with only a few hundred of thousands reaching southern markets.
Researchers have discovered a magnetic anomaly deep within the Earth's crust that suggests a significant portion of what is now Africa was left behind in the American southeast when Pangea broke up. This finding challenges existing theories on continental rifting and the break-up of supercontinents.
Scientists successfully reassemble two halves of a giant sea turtle bone, one dating back to the Cretaceous Period and the other from the 19th century. The discovery reveals that some exposed fossils can survive longer than previously thought, with calculated estimates suggesting the turtle's size was around 10 feet long.
NASA's TRMM satellite gathered data on rainfall rates in the South China Sea as Tropical Depression TD04W weakened. The storm's remnants dissipated near Vietnam, marking the end of a potential regeneration threat.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Hadi's remnants on March 12, showing the strongest thunderstorms south of the center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center downgraded the potential for significant tropical cyclone development to low due to marginal environment and weak model development.
Climate scientists analyzed tree rings to find that Genghis Khan took power during a severe drought, but his empire expanded during the wettest period in the region. The study suggests human-caused warming may be exacerbating current droughts in Mongolia and Inner Asia.
Researchers found relatively low iron amounts and minimal sulphur compounds in the Ghost wreck, suggesting it might not face the same preservation issues as the Vasa. Three studied ships, including the Crown, display more aggressive sulphur compounds and higher iron concentrations.
A study by UC Irvine and other researchers found that Chinese air pollution affects the American West Coast, particularly Los Angeles. The pollution is caused by the manufacturing of goods for export, leading to an extra day of smog exceeding federal limits each year.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures exceeding -63F/-52C, indicating strong uplift in the low pressure area. The storm consolidated and organized into Tropical Cyclone 09S, expected to strengthen and bring gusty winds and rainfall to Mozambique.
System 90L's chances of tropical development dismissed after hostile upper-level winds and diminished showers; no longer considered a threat by NASA. Upper-level conditions made it difficult to identify the low-pressure system, leading to its fizzling out.
System 90L has developed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the clouds, revealing strongest thunderstorms northeast of the center. The non-tropical low is generating tropical-storm-force winds but is expected to be affected by strong upper-level winds shear, likely preventing organization.
A Florida State University scientist has discovered a 4.4 billion-year-old Martian meteorite that may be the first recognized example of ancient Martian crust. The analysis reveals information about the origin and age of Mars' crust, confirming that the planet did not experience a giant impact that melted it in its early history.
NASA's TRMM satellite tracked Tropical Storm Francisco and found a large rain-free area at its center. Rainfall rates exceeded 130mm per hour in Super-typhoon Lekima's outer eye wall, contrasting with the weakened Francisco.
NASA's Terra satellite captured visible and infrared data on Lekima, revealing its 20 nautical mile-wide eye with intense thunderstorms. The storm's powerful winds were near 140 knots, extending 55 nautical miles from the center.
Tropical Storm Lorenzo is facing wind shear and will move into cooler waters, sapping its strength. The NHC notes that despite wind shear, Lorenzo maintains deep convection with strongest thunderstorms in its eastern quadrant.
A global analysis of Kawasaki disease cases found a seasonal occurrence shared by regions across the Northern hemisphere, with peak cases in winter months. The study suggests that large-scale wind currents may play a role in transmitting the suspected infectious agent.
Typhoon Usagi intensified by 65 knots in 24 hours, reaching Category 4 strength with sustained winds of 138 mph. The storm is expected to continue intensifying and pass near Hong Kong on Sept. 22.
Residents of Mexico's eastern and western coast are experiencing double tropical trouble as two storms, TD13E and Ingrid, form in the Pacific Ocean. The storms have the potential to drop up to 20 inches of rain, causing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Tropical Storm Gabrielle has weakened to a depression by Sept. 5, while three other low pressure areas struggle to develop in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Heavy rainfall is expected in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, with isolated maximum amounts of up to 8 inches possible.
A new study by Stanford scientists found that extreme weather events, such as record-breaking heat, are more likely to occur in the US due to global warming. The researchers analyzed historical weather data and climate models to quantify the increased risk of severe heat events.
Tropical Storm Kiko formed on Sept. 1 and intensified quickly, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 70 mph. However, cooler waters and wind shear weakened the storm, leading to its dissipation by Sept. 4. Meanwhile, another low-pressure system is forming near Mexico's southwestern coast.
Tropical Depression Pewa dissipated over the Pacific Ocean on August 26, 2013. NASA satellite data revealed a significant decrease in rainfall by August 25, indicating the storm's weakening. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasted this outcome, and further observations confirmed the depression's waning life.
A Pacific-wide satellite view caught Tropical Storm Pewa moving westward, with a rounded circulation, near 23.6 north latitude and 169.3 west longitude. Another developing low-pressure area, System 94E, is also visible, with high chances of becoming a tropical depression.
Tropical Storm Jebi developed on July 31 and is now filling half of the South China Sea. NASA satellite data shows strong winds and heavy rainfall in a band of thunderstorms southwest of the center.
The Env-DATA system can handle millions of data points, serving hundreds of scientists simultaneously. Researchers used the system to analyze Galapagos Albatross flight paths, revealing preferred areas foraging on the Peruvian coast.
Post-Tropical cyclone Andrea sped away from the Maine coast, passing through Atlantic Canada before entering the Northern Atlantic. The storm brought tropical-strength winds and precipitation to areas like Portland, Maine, with 0.99 inch of rain recorded.
Researchers from LMU Munich uncovered well-preserved fish fossils, shedding light on the gobioid order's evolution and classification. The discovery of perfectly preserved otoliths allowed for a genetic code-like analysis, placing a new species in the Butidae family.
Researchers at UTHealth used sea snail nerve cells to demonstrate a strategy for overcoming memory deficits. By retraining the cells with optimized training schedules, they reversed memory loss and restored connection strength.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Bern studied the investment strategies of dominant pairs in a species of cichlid fish. They found that removing large helpers for 30 days allowed dominants to reduce their territorial duties, with new helpers taking over after seven days.
Cyclone Victoria was torn apart by strong wind shear, with TRMM spotting limited rainfall areas. The storm dissipated due to interaction with cool waters.
Rising temperatures are expected to lead to a massive 'greening' of the Arctic, with wooded areas increasing by up to 50% over the next few decades. This dramatic change will accelerate climate warming at a rate greater than previously predicted, having significant impacts on the global ecosystem.
Researchers predict a massive 'greening' of the Arctic due to rising temperatures, which could lead to an acceleration of climate warming. The models suggest that tree cover could increase by up to 50% over the next few decades, resulting in significant impacts on the global ecosystem.
Cyclone Sandra is intensifying in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data showing cloud top temperatures growing colder and thunderstorms strengthening around its center.
Heavy rainfall rates of 2 inches/50 mm per hour were observed around the center of circulation, with powerful thunderstorms reaching heights of 9.3 miles (15 kilometers). The tropical storm strengthened and moved east-northeast at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph), affecting New Caledonia by March 11.
A new climate model developed at NOAA's GFDL predicts an increase in snowfall for Earth's polar regions and highest altitudes, but a decline globally due to rising CO2 levels. This could spell trouble for regions relying on snowmelt as a source of fresh water.
Scientists have isolated oldest biomolecules directly from 350-million-year-old crinoid fossils in Ohio and surrounding areas. The findings suggest that complex organic molecules can survive fossilization, providing new insights into ancient life.
The Woods Hole Research Center has awarded the Lawrence S. Huntington Environmental Prize to Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, a renowned leader in sustainability and climate change. Dr. Brundtland's vision of sustainability has inspired generations of scientists and policymakers.
A new kind of pterosaur, Eurazhdarcho langendorfensis, has been identified by scientists from the Transylvanian Museum Society, University of Southampton, and Museau Nacional. The fossilized bones are approximately 68 million years old and belong to the azhdarchids group.
Tropical Depression Wukong is struggling to survive in the South China Sea, with NASA satellite data showing moderate rainfall near its center. The storm is moving west-southwest and is expected to dissipate over the next day or two, according to forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Researchers analyzed chromosome changes in sea cradles, revealing a karyotype of 2n=24 chromosomes with biarmed elements. The study proposes that fusion among uniarmed elements drove this change in the Acanthochitonina suborder.
A team of international scientists has developed a more consistent definition of climate sensitivity in prehistoric times, which helps improve comparison with IPCC estimates. The study found that the likely range of climate sensitivity consistently has been of the order of 2.2 to 4.8 degrees C per doubling of CO2.
The North China Craton's thin lithosphere and signs of thermo-tectonic reactivation challenge the traditional view of a stable cratonic lithosphere. The concept of 'craton destruction' has been widely accepted, influencing understanding of intraplate magmatism and continental evolution.
Tropical Storm Son-tinh is moving into the South China Sea after affecting the Philippines. The storm is expected to cross the sea and make landfall in northern Vietnam on October 27.
The Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size this year, covering an area of 8.2 million square miles, but was smaller than expected due to warmer temperatures. The average size of the ozone hole was 6.9 million square miles, with scientists attributing the change to natural fluctuations in weather patterns.
Scientists have discovered a complete geomagnetic field reversal 41,000 years ago in Black Sea sediments, which was associated with rapid climate changes and a massive volcanic eruption. The reversal lasted only 440 years and led to a significant increase in radiation exposure due to a weaker magnetic field.
Scientists have used satellite data to reveal a geological oddity in the Altiplano-Puna plateau, where magma is forming a large blob that pushes up the earth's surface across an area 100km wide. This 'sombrero uplift' could provide insights into massive magmatic events leading to super volcano formation.
Tropical Storm Nadine's center maintains a visible eye in infrared imagery, indicating its ability to withstand weakening winds. The system is expected to approach the Azores by Oct. 3, while System 96L shows potential for development into a tropical depression.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed intense rainfall and towering thunderstorms in Hurricane Michael, indicating a potential intensification. Over the next 24 hours, Michael's maximum sustained winds more than doubled from 50 mph to 115 mph.
Typhoons Tembin and Bolaven continue to churn in the Philippine Sea, with Tembin showing a wide area of very high cloud top temperatures and Bolaven strengthening into a typhoon. Bolaven is expected to intensify further, moving northwest and posing a significant threat to the region.
The Lab in the Wild project aims to gather data on how people think, perceive information, and use technology from around the world. Researchers will analyze thousands of users' responses to tests designed to elicit information about their online culture, including preferences for website design and functionality.
A new study found that people living near the coast tend to have better health than those living inland. The analysis showed that the link between living near the coast and good health was strongest in economically deprived communities.
Two projects investigating the use of robot submarines to map and monitor the UK seas have received £720,000 in funding. The projects aim to inform future government policy on protecting the marine environment by generating data that will guide the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sea gliders.
The article discusses new research on dynamic earth processes, including the link between wildfires and sediment transport in coastal watersheds, as well as high-pressure metamorphism in northwest China. Additionally, studies on the Gold Hill shear zone and magma-filled fractures in the Appalachian mountain belt are also presented.
A new study reveals that West Antarctica's floating ice shelves are fracturing and retreating inland, potentially accelerating ice loss to the sea. The research found that the margins of these ice shelves are heavily rifted, resembling a cracked mirror in satellite imagery.
The University of Texas at Dallas and Virginia Tech have created an undersea vehicle inspired by the common jellyfish, which runs on renewable energy. The robotic jellyfish, dubbed Robojelly, feeds off hydrogen and oxygen gases found in water, producing only water as waste.
A Loyola bioethicist calls Jon Stewart 'our greatest public intellectual' due to his promotion of serious ideas and discourse. Kayhan Parsi argues that Stewart, through 'The Daily Show,' creates a space for writers and intellectuals to discuss their work, making him a catalyst for independent thought.
Cyclone Jasmine was classified as a powerful category 4 cyclone with wind speeds of 132 mph, but was weakening due to cooler waters and drier air. A 3D image created from TRMM data revealed the eye's funnel-shaped surface and intense thunderstorms dropping rain at over 2 inches/hr.
A low-pressure area in the Gulf called System 90L is being watched for possible development into a subtropical depression, although chances are now considered slim. The system is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall and gusty winds to northern Cuba, the Florida Keys, and south Florida.
New studies reveal mantle-driven uplift in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau, while also documenting extensional fault systems in the Aegean Sea. Additionally, researchers examine the impact of fault-enhanced irregularities on groundwater flow paths, with implications for nuclear waste repositories.
A new study reveals that a simple circuit in the sea slug's brain links hunger and pursuit, allowing it to make decisions based on how information makes it feel. The researchers found that hungry animals turn towards stimuli that smell like food, while satiated animals turn away or do nothing.