Articles tagged with Oceans
Researchers found that carbon release into atmosphere today is nearly 10 times faster than during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a 55.9 million-year-old event similar to current global warming. The study suggests this rapid change may not allow sufficient time for biological systems to adapt.
Researchers have discovered that massive ocean eddies can reach the ocean bottom at mid-ocean ridges, transporting larvae, chemicals, and heat. This phenomenon helps explain how larvae travel huge distances from one vent area to another.
Cyclone Cherono has weakened due to increased wind shear, as captured by NASA infrared satellite imagery. The storm's remnants are now moving away from Mauritius, causing ocean swells and rough surf.
Tropical Cyclone Atu formed over New Caledonia on February 21, intensifying into a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 95 knots before weakening. The cyclone dissipated north of New Zealand by February 25, its life spanning just four days.
Scientists discovered nearly pristine fossils of complex organisms preserved in oxygen-free waters, challenging the timeline of eukaryote evolution. The Lantian biota suggests brief oxygenation events allowed for diversification of macroscopic life forms.
Researchers studying the origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere have found that ancient plankton played a critical role in providing oxygen. This discovery builds on earlier work that showed a reverse-greenhouse effect cooled the oceans, spawning giant plankton blooms and sending oxygen into the atmosphere.
The world's oceans are under siege due to species loss, leading to ecosystem collapse. A new study finds that a loss of ecological redundancy, where multiple species occupy the same space, is directly blamed for marine ecosystem collapse in the fossil record.
A UC Riverside-led team discovered chemical evidence of oxygen-free ancient oceans containing abundant hydrogen sulfide. This finding suggests that ocean chemistry influenced the evolution of early life, potentially delaying its appearance and proliferation.
Researchers found evidence of ancient ocean 'dead zones,' where oxygen levels were low, around 499 million years ago. This challenges the long-held assumption that oceans became oxygen-rich about 600 million years ago. The findings suggest that fluctuations in oxygen levels may have played a major role in shaping early animal evolution.
Researchers found evidence of oxygen-poor ocean conditions lasting 2-4 million years after the first appearance of animals, suggesting fluctuating oxygen levels may have driven rapid evolutionary turnover during the Cambrian Period. This study provides new insights into how early life evolved and flourished on Earth.
The GOES series of satellites provided critical weather monitoring services in 2010 and 2011, tracking severe storms, hurricanes, and blizzards. The satellites captured stunning images of weather systems, including the Pineapple Express and a Christmas weekend blizzard, helping to inform travel decisions.
A powerful low-pressure system brought significant snowfall to New England, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow. The GOES-13 satellite captured an image of the storm's center off the Massachusetts coast, showing the extent of the blizzard conditions.
A new study predicts that the Mariana crow will go extinct in 75 years due to a low first-year survival rate of 40%. The species is critically endangered and faces threats from invasive species like feral cats and brown tree snakes.
Researchers will use real-time and projected data, 3D simulation and visualization technology to model different conservation scenarios. The program aims to inform fisheries management plans and raise public awareness about ocean health.
Researchers found extremely high levels of oxidized mercury above the Dead Sea, a phenomenon previously only observed in polar regions. The findings suggest that bromine in the atmosphere plays a key role in initiating mercury oxidation.
A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.
The GOES-13 satellite is monitoring a cold front approaching the remnants of Hurricane Tomas, which has lost its tropical characteristics and now resembles a nor'easter. The satellite imagery shows the cold front as a line of clouds east of the US East coast, with Tomas' remnants appearing as a tight swirl of clouds near Bermuda.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people can understand actions by recognizing underlying syntax. The researchers tested whether the structure of action sequences affected how quickly participants read sentences describing those actions.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Storm Anggrek's cold thunderstorms tightly circling its center. The storm is expected to steadily weaken and dissipate as it encounters cooler waters and stronger wind shear.
Ancient ocean sediments revealed phosphorus played a crucial role in establishing the first animals on Earth. Oxygen levels surged due to phosphorus, allowing complex life forms to emerge.
A team of researchers led by Thomas Algeo from the University of Cincinnati analyzed chemical evidence from rocks formed during the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which wiped out 90% of all living species. The study suggests that massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia and global climate change contributed to the catastrophic event.
Tropical Depression 14W forms near Hainan Island, China, with strong thunderstorms and rapid wind shear detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The depression's organization and punch are being weakened by wind shear, which is expected to make it turn north-northeast before making a brief landfall in southern China.
A 2008 Kasatochi volcano eruption sparked a record-breaking phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Ocean, with iron-laden ash from the eruption taking up only a modest amount of atmospheric CO2
Tropical Storm Lisa has strengthened into its third tropical storm due to low wind shear, allowing it to gain momentum. The storm's minimum central pressure is 1005 millibars and it is expected to turn north-northwest before heading west-northwest.
Research reveals that seamounts have comparable levels of diversity and endemism to continental margins, but their ecological communities are distinct in structure and higher in biomass. Seamount ecosystems are highly vulnerable to disturbance by bottom trawling and require decades for recovery.
Tropical Storm Julia is struggling to maintain its strength as it encounters massive Hurricane Igor's westerly wind shear. The National Hurricane Center predicts Julia will fade into a remnant low in a day or two, with some models suggesting it could be absorbed by Hurricane Igor's circulation.
Trius will use its proprietary Focused Antisense Screening Technology (FAST) to identify antibacterial compounds from marine natural product libraries discovered by Scripps researchers. The goal is to develop novel antibiotics directed against microorganisms causing serious infections.
Hurricane Igor underwent significant changes in shape and strength due to NASA's MODIS and AIRS instruments, which captured its transformation from a rounded storm to a comma-shaped storm over three days. The storm's cold cloud temperatures and cloud cover were also analyzed by the AIRS instrument.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible image of Hurricane Julia, weakened by Hurricane Igor's outflow, breaking a record for the most intense hurricane east of the Azores. The storm is expected to move west-northwest then turn northeast, staying at sea.
Scientists have used a new seismic method to investigate the collision process between India and Tibet, revealing a more pronounced boundary between rigid lithosphere and softer asthenosphere. The study provides insights into the processes involved in the collision and aims to reduce earthquake risk in the region.
Leading international scientists propose a new approach to marine tenure to reverse the 'tragedy of the commons' and restore fish stocks. A successful experiment in Chile shows that co-operative models for fishery management can improve sustainability.
NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument captured an infrared image of Tropical Depression 9 showing high thunderstorm cloud tops and strong convection. The depression formed in the Atlantic Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, moving west at 15 mph.
Tropical Storm Dianmu made a quick track over South Korea and entered the Sea of Japan, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its infrared image. The storm is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm due to increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Tropical Storm Chanthu is forecasted to make a landfall south of Hong Kong due to dry air and increased wind shear. Infrared imagery shows strong convection from northeast to southwest, but missing on the west side of the storm.
The NASA GOES Project provides continually updating 'movies' of satellite imagery for Hurricane Alley, allowing on-line viewing on iPhone and iPad. The latest large-scale movie can be accessed at http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/goescolor/goeseast/hurricane2/movie/alley_east_conus.mp4.
GOES-13 satellite captured images of Hurricane Alex from its formation to landfall in Mexico, providing valuable research data for forecasters. The storm caused severe flooding, mudslides, and record-breaking rainfall.
Tropical Storm Conson has formed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots (69 mph) and is forecast to make landfall on July 13. The storm's track is expected to take it north-northwest over the next couple of days, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the northern Philippines.
A study found that iron availability plays a crucial role in controlling coccolithophore growth and calcification. Coccolithophores are globally important species of marine algae responsible for massive blooms in oceans worldwide.
The GOES-13 satellite captured images of two major hurricanes, Celia and Darby, with Celia being a Category Five hurricane and Darby a Category Three. The storms appear to be chasing each other, with Hurricane Celia having the larger eye.
Hurricane Celia strengthened to a Category Two hurricane with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 mph, and NASA satellites confirmed the emergence of an eye.
System 94L is a strong tropical wave associated with heavy showers and thunderstorms, moving west-northwestward over the Lesser Antilles. NASA closely monitors its development, forecasting a low chance of 20% that it will become a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours.
Tropical Depression 2-E had dissipated off the coast of Mexico by June 18, with NASA's TRMM Satellite revealing waning rainfall and moderate ocean precipitation. The depression's maximum sustained winds were near 30 mph, and its minimum central pressure was 1008 millibars.
Tropical Depression 2-E is close to land, bringing heavy rain to western Mexican coast states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Tropical Storm Blas has strengthened into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph, expected to strengthen further over the next 48 hours.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center reports that System 92L in the Atlantic Ocean has a minimal 10% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. Strong westerly winds are hindering conditions favorable for tropical cyclone formation.
Satellite imagery reveals System 92L's weakening state, with upper-level winds reducing its chances for tropical cyclone formation. Environmental conditions are expected to become less favorable in the next 48 hours, decreasing the potential for development.
The Northern Indian Ocean cyclone season has begun with two tropical storms forming within a day of each other. Tropical Storm 02A had maximum sustained winds of 39 mph and was expected to track west-northwest and bring rains and wind to Yemen.
According to a new paper, large quantities of phosphorus in oceans led to vast algal blooms, pumping oxygen into the environment, allowing larger organisms to thrive. This oxygenation had major consequences for the evolution of complex life and may have played a key role in creating an oxygenated atmosphere.
Researchers discovered water ice and organic molecules on asteroid 24 Themis, suggesting it may have delivered water to Earth 4 billion years ago. The findings support the theory that asteroids could have brought water to our planet after its formation.
Cyclone 24S was renamed Tropical Storm Sean as it matured, going through two numbered nicknames before receiving its human name. It showed strong thunderstorms with cloud tops as cold as -63°F, and forecasters predict further intensification over the next 12-24 hours.
GOES-13 replaces GOES-12, providing coverage for the eastern US, including the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The satellite helps predict weather and storms, supporting fast and accurate weather forecasts and warnings.
Tropical Storm Robyn formed in the Southern Indian Ocean on April 2, with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots. The storm's strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are safely nested over open waters, but it is expected to weaken over the next three days due to higher vertical wind shear.
Researchers have uncovered the reason behind a four-billion-year-old 'missing ice age,' solving one of science's greatest mysteries. The discovery reveals that thin clouds and oceans played a crucial role in keeping the Earth warm, contradicting previous theories about greenhouse gases.
Scientists warn of ocean acidification, a threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The 'evil twin' of global warming is causing the oceans to become increasingly acidic, potentially leading to mass extinctions.
Tropical Storm Imani is expected to become a depression over the weekend, weakening due to increasing vertical wind shear. The storm's low-level circulation center is fully exposed on its north side, making it vulnerable to strong winds.
Tropical Storm Omais is rapidly losing strength in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 39 mph. The system is expected to become fully extratropical on Saturday as it moves north-northeastward at 12 mph.
Tropical storm Omais has doubled in size due to wind shear, weakening from 63 mph to 52 mph. The storm is expected to dissipate over the next day and a half as it encounters cooler, drier air associated with a cold front.
Tropical Storm Imani is taking a unique shape in the Southern Indian Ocean, resembling a question mark. The storm has strengthened slightly and is forecast to continue intensifying before moving into an area of increased vertical wind shear.
Tropical Storm Tomas is expected to intensify over the weekend, bringing gusty winds, ocean swells, and heavy rainfall to residents of Nadi, Fiji. The storm has strengthened by 23 mph since March 11, with forecasters predicting it will weaken due to increasing wind shear from Monday or Tuesday.
The seventeenth tropical depression formed in the South Pacific Ocean on February 21 and strengthened into Tropical Storm 17P by February 22. TS 17P has created 15 foot-high waves in open waters and is expected to track through the region, potentially impacting some land areas with gale winds.
Dr. Karen Kohfeld's research focuses on paleo-climate and the dust cycle, highlighting its importance in understanding land-atmosphere-climate connections. The symposium will explore how changes in the dust cycle affect the oceans, carbon cycle, and human health.