Articles tagged with Oceans
Tropical Cyclone 15S is expected to make landfall in west central Madagascar's Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. The storm is currently meandering in the Mozambique Channel, but forecasters predict a southwesterly direction and landfall by March 9.
Tropical Cyclone Glenda is intensifying in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing visible evidence of a developing eye. The storm is expected to strengthen to near 95 knots before weakening and turning southeast.
Karen Lloyd, a University of Tennessee professor, has been selected as a 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Ocean Sciences for her groundbreaking research on marine microbial life and geochemical cycles. Her work holds promise for understanding the physiology and ecology of marine microbial life.
Researchers estimate that around 8 million tons of plastic waste entered the world's oceans in 2010, with coastal countries generating close to 275 million tons. To prevent this number from increasing by a full order of magnitude over the next decade, nations need to improve their waste management practices and adopt better strategies.
A new study estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the world's oceans every year, with a midpoint estimate of 8 million metric tons. The research, published in Science, used a complex model to analyze data from 192 coastal countries and highlights the need for improved waste management systems worldwide.
Innovative sequencing technologies are allowing scientists to study ocean microbes, revealing their critical role in the global carbon cycle and ecosystem health. The findings highlight the diversity of marine protists and their impact on ocean ecosystems.
The University of Miami's School of Communication has developed an open educational resource on ocean health, covering topics like carbon storage and climate change. The resource features interactive modules with original videos showcasing researchers working in the field.
Tropical Cyclone Ola was being battered by vertical wind shear when NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared picture. The storm's cloud tops showed stronger thunderstorms, but forecasters expected it to dissipate due to increasing wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Tropical Cyclone Ola's elongated shape was caused by northeasterly wind shear pushing clouds southwest of the center. The storm is expected to dissipate over the next 48 hours due to decreasing ocean heat content.
Tropical Cyclone Eunice was spinning in the Southern Indian Ocean when NASA's Terra satellite captured its transition to an extra-tropical cyclone. The storm's warm core became a cold core, characteristic of mid-latitude low pressure areas.
NASA's MODIS instrument captured images of Tropical Cyclone Diamondra and Eunice, combining them to create a single panorama. The storms are intensifying, with Cyclone Eunice expected to peak at 125 knots (143.8 mph) before weakening.
Tropical Cyclone Niko was spotted moving southeast through the Society Islands by NASA's Aqua satellite on January 21. The storm remains compact but strengthening, with maximum sustained winds near 50 knots on January 22.
Tropical Storm Chedza rapidly intensified from a tropical low pressure area to a tropical storm on January 16 near Madagascar's southwestern coast. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 knots (57.5 mph/92.6 kph) with a defined low-level circulation center and deep convective banding.
The first Northwestern Pacific tropical depression has formed, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to the region. NASA's TRMM satellite observed two large bands of thunderstorms with rainfall rates of 1 inch per hour near the storm's center.
A study published in PLOS ONE estimates that nearly 269,000 tons of plastic pollution are floating in the world's oceans, with an additional 5 trillion microplastic particles present. This research was conducted over six years across five sub-tropical gyres and coastal regions.
A new study attributes the global 'warming hiatus' to increased oceanic heat drawdown, particularly in the equatorial Pacific, North Atlantic, and Southern Ocean basins. The research reveals distinct mechanisms for each region, improving climate models' projections of future temperature changes.
Typhoon Hagupit continues to intensify as it moves through Micronesia, triggering warnings for strong winds and rough seas. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 115.1 mph, with forecasters predicting it will peak at Category four on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Tropical Storm Hagupit has become a Category One typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 70 knots, posing threats to islands in Micronesia. The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest through the region and intensify before weakening on December 6.
Research published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles analyzed rain samples from Bermuda to investigate the origin of oceanic nitrogen. The authors found that certain nitrogen isotopes likely represent ammonium recycled from the ocean rather than inputted from human activities.
Tropical Storm Hagupit rapidly developed from a low-pressure area due to warm waters and favorable atmospheric conditions. The storm strengthened into a tropical storm on Dec. 1, with strong thunderstorms and fragmented bands spiraling into its center.
A new tropical storm, Tropical Cyclone 02S, has formed in the Southern Indian Ocean and is closing in on Mauritius and Reunion Islands. The cyclone is expected to bring gusty winds, showers, and rough seas to the region over the next couple of days.
Tropical Storm Adjali began curving to the southwest in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing visible images of the storm. The storm is expected to weaken due to increased wind shear, cooler sea surface temperatures, and limited outflow.
Tropical Cyclone Adjali developed a distinctive 'tail' of thunderstorms extending south of its center, captured by NASA's MODIS instrument on November 18. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted weakening bands of storms spiraling into the low-level center.
The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean cyclone season has formed over 300 miles from Diego Garcia. The storm, named Adjali, is moving east-southeast at 3 knots and expected to intensify before weakening around La Reunion Island.
Tropical Cyclone 5B forms in Bay of Bengal with strong thunderstorms and maximum sustained winds near 35 knots. The storm is expected to make landfall near Chennai on Nov. 9 and dissipate over land quickly.
Researchers found rivers carrying large volumes of sediment meander more across floodplains, creating oxbow lakes. Sediment supply is a key driver of river behavior, affecting meander migration speed and floodplain evolution.
A new study analyzing an ice core from West Antarctica found three 'pulses' of carbon dioxide increase, each rising about 10-15 parts per million over a period of 1-2 centuries. The researchers suggest that these rapid changes may have been caused by a combination of factors, including terrestrial processes and unknown ocean mechanisms.
Tropical Storm Ana was still generating moderate rainfall when NASA's TRMM satellite observed it on October 22. The storm moved northward with a gradual increase in speed, and is expected to be absorbed by an extra-tropical low pressure area near British Columbia, Canada.
Scientists have discovered evidence for a massive mountain range that thrived 600 million years ago, supporting an explosion of life on Earth. The Himalayan-scale range was eroded intensely, releasing nutrients into the oceans that allowed life to flourish.
Hurricane Gonzalo remains a Category 4 hurricane with strong thunderstorms surrounding its cloud-free eye. The National Hurricane Center forecasts dangerous conditions in Bermuda, including hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Ana is intensifying in the Central Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane by late October 15 and may impact Hawaii on October 16.
Extra-Tropical Storm Vongfong transitioned into an extra-tropical storm early on Oct. 4 as its core changed from warm to cold while being monitored by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm was located near 29.1 north latitude and 142.9 east longitude, about 111 nautical miles southeast of Misawa, Japan.
Tropical Storm Ana was spotted by NASA's Aqua satellite on October 13, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and approach the big island of Hawaii by Sunday, October 19.
Tropical Storm Hudhud formed on Oct. 8 in the Northern Indian Ocean after a period of dormancy, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall near Visakhapatnam on Oct. 10.
Tropical Storm Vongfong forms in Northwestern Pacific Ocean with NASA's Terra satellite capturing visible image on Oct. 3. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon as it moves north of Guam.
Typhoon Phanfone had a small, pinhole-sized open eye surrounded by a thick band of thunderstorms. The storm was expected to weaken and transition to an extra-tropical cyclone on October 4.
Phanfone is now a threat to various islands, with warnings and watches in effect for Saipan, Tinian, Pagan, and Alamagan. The storm is moving west-northwest at 11 knots, with forecasters expecting it to intensify into a typhoon after passing through the Marianas Islands.
Tropical Storm Edouard is weakening, with maximum sustained winds at near 60 mph, and expected to become post-tropical later on Sept. 19. It will then head east and impact the western Azores Islands over the weekend of Sept. 20-21 before turning south.
NASA's Terra satellite and NOAA's GOES-East satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Edouard as it grew into a Category 2 hurricane. The storm consolidated with its bands of thunderstorms becoming more tightly wrapped around the eye, which became visible on and off during September 14.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured high-resolution infrared images of Tropical Storm Edouard, revealing very high thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is moving west-northwest at 16 mph, with forecasters predicting it may become a hurricane by September 15.
Tropical Depression 6 formed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean with a well-defined circulation and organized convective banding near the center. The depression has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and is expected to move northwest or west-northwest over the next couple of days.
A new study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that natural oceanic barriers significantly influence linguistic diversity by reducing contact between speech communities. As a result, spatially isolated languages gradually diverge from each other.
Tropical Storm Karina weakened due to strong wind shear from Hurricane Marie, according to NASA satellite data. Karina's maximum sustained winds dropped to 40 mph on August 25 as it moved east-southeast around the western edge of Marie.
Tropical Storm Lowell poses a threat to Baja California with strong ocean swells and life-threatening surf conditions. The storm's size and weakening trend indicate it may become a post-tropical cyclone by the weekend.
Tropical Storm Karina intensified on August 22 with moderate rainfall and towering thunderstorms, dropping rain at a rate of near 25 mm/1 inch per hour. The storm is moving to the northeast near 3 mph (6 kph) and is expected to weaken in two days as it enters cooler waters and stable dry air.
Tropical Storm Karina appeared as a giant number nine due to strong thunderstorms spiraling into its center. The storm is now weakening due to moderate-to-strong vertical wind shear and dry air affecting its development of thunderstorms.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Storm Karina on August 13, revealing a concentration of strong thunderstorms around its center. The storm is strengthening and expected to become a hurricane late on August 14 as it moves westward through the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
A survey of scientists from 94 countries reveals the top research priorities for sustaining ocean health, including climate change's impact on plankton growth and ocean biodiversity. Social scientists highlight the need to better communicate science to policy-makers and the public as a key priority.
Tropical Depression Genevieve dissipated in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean after a two-week journey through three Pacific regions. Maximum sustained winds dropped to 25 knots as the storm moved northwest at 8 knots.
Hurricane Iselle is expected to bring heavy rains, high surf, and damaging winds to Hawaii. Rainfall totals of 5-12 inches are predicted along its track, with storm surge up to 3 feet expected on the Big Island.
Super Typhoon Genevieve rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm after crossing the International Dateline. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured infrared images of the storm, revealing a symmetrical structure with a clear eye and powerful thunderstorms.
A major study analyzing all penguin species highlights the need to mitigate effects of habitat degradation, food scarcity, and climate change. The authors recommend measures such as establishing marine protected areas and implementing ecosystem-based management methods to protect biodiversity.
Dr. Kattawar's work on polarization and radiative transfer theory has advanced knowledge of the ocean's nature and consequences of light. He has received numerous teaching awards, mentored over 40 students, and served on academic advisory committees.
Tropical Depression Genevieve is located near latitude 13.1 north, longitude 150.5 west, about 550 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. It's moving west at 6 mph with minimal intensity changes forecasted through Friday night.
Tropical Storm Genevieve has weakened to a tropical depression, but its remnants are being chased by two developing low-pressure areas. NASA's GOES-West satellite imagery shows these systems moving westward towards Hawaii, with a 30% chance of development over the next couple of days.
The seventh tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific Ocean formed on July 25, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to continue moving westward, with NHC forecasting no strengthening due to increased wind shear.
Researchers at University of East Anglia have developed a new model that takes into account the impact of oceans on climate, finding they play a vital role in moderating temperatures and habitability. This breakthrough helps answer whether other planets could sustain alien life.
Tropical Storm Wali formed in Central Pacific Ocean as NASA's Terra satellite passed overhead, with maximum sustained winds initially at 35 mph. The storm is expected to maintain tropical storm status until Saturday before weakening to a depression.
Researchers discovered how viruses affect phytoplankton, like Emiliania huxleyi, altering global carbon cycle and marine food chain. Viruses rewire host lipid metabolism, diverting fixed carbon from traditional food web, with implications for ocean ecosystems.
Tropical Depression 08W formed on July 3 with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots, moving west-northwestward. NASA's TRMM satellite captured rainfall data indicating strong bands of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour.