Articles tagged with Oceanography
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.
A new model suggests that Siberian mantle plume contained recycled oceanic crust, leading to exceptional magmatic eruptions and mass extinction. The team's study provides new insights into the origin of the Siberian Traps and their relation to the Permo-Triassic mass extinction event.
A team led by Mercyhurst College archaeologists is on the verge of uncovering cultural evidence of early human occupation in the submerged continental shelf of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Using advanced technology, they aim to excavate archaeological materials from previously identified high-potential locations.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten has been a big rainmaker across the Philippines for two days, with NASA tracking its heavy rainfall using TRMM satellite data. The storm's 3-D image revealed towering convective storms near the center of circulation, extending to heights above 15km, associated with future strengthening.
Frigid cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Dora's thunderstorms indicate their strength and power. The storm's strong convection and rapid rising air formed a large area of very cold and powerful thunderstorms around the center.
A low pressure area north-northeast of Puerto Rico has been detected by the GOES-13 satellite, located about 460 miles northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The National Hurricane Center gives this system a 20% chance of development into a tropical storm over the next two days before it hits wind shear.
Researchers found people on ships are steadier when focusing on the horizon, unlike on land where they sway more when gazing far away. This phenomenon may help differentiate between body movement and ship movement, potentially predicting motion sickness.
Researchers from eight nations are analyzing sedimentary deposits from a 460-meter deep borehole to reconstruct the climate history of the region. The drilling project aims to provide information on past environmental changes in the Bethlehem area, including those related to early human migration.
Tropical Storm Georgette formed rapidly south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the GOES-11 satellite capturing its clouds extending over extreme southern Baja California. The storm is forecast to make landfall in western Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds.
Researchers have developed a new nanotube technology that can generate sound waves for submarine sonar while also canceling out noise. This breakthrough could enhance underwater detection and stealth capabilities for military submarines.
Tropical Depression 6E has been downgraded to a remnant low pressure system in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It's now being stretched by strong vertical wind shear and moving into cooler waters, making strengthening back into a tropical storm unlikely.
Tropical Depression 6-E has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and is struggling to organize due to moderate to strong wind shear. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 35 knots (38 mph), and it is expected to continue moving west-northwestward over the weekend.
Researchers have developed carbon nanotube speakers that can generate sound waves and cancel out noise, ideal for submarine sonar. These 'nanotube speakers' can also be tuned to specific frequencies to detect underwater objects, enhancing stealth capabilities.
New research suggests that liquid water existed all over Mars during its early history, with studies of minerals found in craters revealing a global alteration by water. The discovery provides clues about the planet's potential habitability and suggests sites for future landers.
NASA satellite imagery captures Tropical Depression 2-E and System 92E near western Mexican coast. The system is expected to produce heavy rain and life-threatening flash floods along the immediate coast of Oaxaca.
Scientists are investigating new clean-up methods to limit environmental damage, including applying dispersants underwater and boosting naturally-occurring bacteria that can break down oil. The effectiveness of these approaches remains to be seen as massive amounts of oil remain in the ocean.
The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of the ash plume from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, drifting south and east over the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The ash plume appeared lighter in color than previous days, indicating a potential decrease in volcanic activity.
The Best Agers project aims to identify methods to keep the older generation in the workforce, as Europe faces an aging population. Nineteen organisations from eight Baltic Sea countries participate in the project, which has a budget of SEK 44 million.
Tropical Storm 90Q, the second known cyclone in South Atlantic Ocean history, is located over 1,350 miles east of Buenos Aires. The storm is moving quickly south-southeast and expected to be merged with a cold front by weekend.
A recent survey conducted by LSU's Public Policy Research Lab found that only 30% of respondents believe the federal government has a well-developed plan for hurricane response. In contrast, 80% of residents have their own well-developed plans, indicating a recognition of the need for individual preparedness.
A magnetic study of the Colima volcanic complex in Mexico reveals that faults exhibit distinct magnetic anomalies, which can be used to improve geological interpretations. The findings have significant implications for hazard assessments in densely populated areas around active volcanoes.
The February issue of Lithosphere highlights the evolution of the northwestern Red Sea, with two main tectonic events contributing to its formation. The study also explores the Fish Lake Valley fault in eastern California and the incision of major rivers into the Tibetan Plateau's bedrock.
The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center is part of a major digital data initiative to improve access to Earth's biota and environment data. Dozens of institutions partner to provide secure, permanent access to biological and earth sciences data.
A new study by Purdue University researchers suggests that local and regional strategies such as creating green spaces and buffer zones in urban areas could help address climate change. The study found that greener land cover contributes to cooler temperatures, while any other change leads to warmer temperatures.
Researchers track the pattern and timing of a new subduction zone's birth in Fiordland, New Zealand, and analyze eclogites carried to the surface via serpentinite channels. The study also investigates the Yukon-Tanana terrane's crustal growth, finding predominantly crustal recycling with minor juvenile crustal growth.
NASA's GOES Project created a movie of Tropical Storm Danny from August 25-27, showcasing his formation and journey up the US East Coast. The storm made landfall with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph, and is expected to turn north.
The online video showcases the entire 2008 hurricane season, including all 17 tropical cyclones, with detailed cloud imagery and storm tracks. The animation is based on six months of GOES imagery at 30-minute intervals and features television production-quality visuals.
A nationwide survey found that nearly nine out of ten adult Americans obtain weather forecasts daily, placing a value of 10.5 cents on each forecast, resulting in an annual value of $31.5 billion.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that volcanic plumes rotate around their axis due to a phenomenon called mesocyclones. This rotation triggers lightning and creates waterspouts or dust devils. The study provides new insights into understanding volcanic eruptions and predicts effects more accurately.
Two new greenhouse gases, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), are accumulating in the atmosphere at a rapid rate. These potent gases have significant global-warming potential and are used in industrial processes as alternatives to other harmful gases.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a non-lethal traffic stopper called SQUID, which uses sticky tendrils to immobilize vehicles. The device, inspired by a sea creature and Spiderman's webbing, aims to provide a safer alternative to traditional methods of stopping fleeing drivers.
Calculations by Dr. Eduardo Zorita and colleagues estimated the likelihood of warm record years after 1990 being an accident is extremely low, suggesting external influences
Researchers have identified trapped water as the cause of regular tremors under Vancouver Island, explaining episodic tremors every 14 months. The study provides a detailed glimpse into the geological mechanics beneath the island, bringing scientists closer to understanding earthquake cycles.
A team of researchers has discovered a slow earthquake triggered by the 2007 dike intrusion at Kilauea Volcano, demonstrating the connection between magmatism and earthquake faulting. The study used satellite and GPS data to track the movement of magma and show how it triggered the slow earthquake on Kilauea's south flank.
A new study suggests mountain ranges like the Andes can rise rapidly, doubling their heights in a short period. The traditional theory of plate tectonics will need to be revised to include the process of delamination, which proposes that the 'root' beneath the crust heats up and breaks free, allowing mountains to quickly rise.
Researchers have developed a library of over 300 antibodies effective against H5N1 avian flu, offering potential treatment for infected individuals and a step towards a universal flu vaccine. The antibodies may also enable the design of vaccines with cross-subtype neutralizing activity.
Florida State University has been awarded a two-year $2.5 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to provide climate forecasting for farmers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The research will help farmers make informed decisions on planting crops such as peanuts, cotton, and strawberries.
Research suggests that Atlantic leatherback turtles have two separate foraging areas, one in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic and another in low latitudes off the African and Iberian coasts. This dichotomy has significant implications for the species' survival, as damage to either habitat could have dramatic repercussions.
A UBC study suggests that an ancient magma ocean may have existed beneath the Earth's surface, accounting for the discrepancy between the planet's mantle and core composition. This layer of molten rock would have stored some of the elements found in chondrite, primitive rocks from the earliest time of the solar system.
A new analysis has identified cancer-causing compounds, air pollutants, and other substances of concern in the production of carbon nanotubes. Researchers are working with industry partners to develop environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods and filter systems to minimize hazardous by-products.
A team of LSU researchers, led by John Day, join forces with world-renowned coastal scientists to publish a commentary on delta preservation. The article emphasizes the need for science-guided restoration efforts in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain due to climate change and resource scarcity.
A recent study reveals that the Brazilian rainforest heavily depends on dust from a specific valley in Africa. The Bodélé valley in northern Chad provides a significant portion of the vital minerals needed for the Amazon forest's existence, with 56% of the dust reaching the region originating from this source.
Researchers used NASA earth observations to predict wildfires in southern California, identifying key factors such as plant moisture and fuel condition. The study found that the instruments can detect conditions favorable for wildfires, improving wildfire prediction and monitoring capabilities.
Dick Kerr, Senior Writer at Science, receives GSA's highest public service award for his work in enhancing earth sciences understanding. With over 1200 science-news articles written, Kerr has made significant contributions to geoscience education and dialogue.
Researchers studied polar motion over three and a half months, finding small loops up to a cell phone size due to weather patterns and oceanic influences. The study demonstrates day-to-day changes in atmospheric pressure affect Earth's rotation for the first time.
Research suggests tundra areas are greening over the entire growing season, with boreal forests showing significant greening in May and June. However, these gains are offset by browning in July and August, highlighting a need for improved process models of ecosystem responses to climate change.
Scientists at the Woods Hole Research Center have developed high-resolution maps of the built environment for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, capturing impervious surface cover and its implications for biogeochemical and hydrological processes. The new maps are being used to assess water quality and inform restoration efforts in the region.
A new model predicts that implementing effective governance and conservation policies could preserve up to 73% of the Amazon forest by 2050. The study highlights the urgent need to redirect economic forces towards sustainable development and conservation.
Catalytic converters in US vehicles emit toxic pollutants when they fail, putting public health at risk. Researchers detected these pollutants using advanced analytical techniques.
Researchers and students are working together to advance scientific understanding of the role of major arctic rivers in the changing arctic and global systems. The Student-Partners Project aims to collect high-frequency river water samples, fostering appreciation for the pivotal role rivers play in the Arctic System.
A study using satellite observations found increased photosynthesis and growing season length in Canadian tundra, while forests declined in photosynthetic activity. The decline is linked to long-term warming and drying, challenging initial predictions of predictable forest changes.
Scientists have discovered a connection between ancient climate, carbon dioxide levels, and vegetation in deep sea algae. The study found that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were up to five times greater than today during the Paleogene Period, leading to rapid global cooling and the origin of land plants sensitive to CO2.