Articles tagged with Oceans
A team of researchers has tracked a rare 'boomerang' earthquake in the ocean for the first time, revealing how it can cause devastating effects on land. The study used underwater seismometers to monitor the Romanche fracture zone and recorded a magnitude 7.1 earthquake with a unique reversing rupture mechanism.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected remnants of tropical storm Douglas, weakened by strong wind shear, as it crossed the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. The post-tropical low-pressure area is expected to dissipate shortly after crossing the dateline.
A team of global experts predicts that plastic waste flowing into the seas each year could more than double by 2040, with 710 million tonnes expected to be discarded into the environment. Improving waste collection services is seen as the single most effective step in reducing pollution.
A global survey of 371 coral reefs found that reef sharks are virtually absent from many ecosystems due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. However, countries with strong governance and conservation efforts, such as Australia and the Bahamas, show promising results.
A new relationship between humanity and the ocean is required to secure the continuity of the diverse life support roles provided by the sea. The paper proposes three key transition pathways to make complex ocean systems more resilient and ensure a more sustainable future.
Cristiana Stan and collaborators develop new diagnostic tools to forecast ENSO patterns. The tools aim to better understand the relationship between ENSO and the Madden-Julian Oscillation.
Tropical Storm Boris formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing visible imagery. The storm strengthened to maximum strength before weakening back into a depression over the next 12 hours.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that Pluto and other large Kuiper belt objects began with liquid oceans that have been slowly freezing over time. The 'hot start' scenario is supported by observations, which indicate expansion features on Pluto's surface rather than compression features.
Two new tanaid species were discovered by NUS researchers in the eastern Pacific Ocean, providing insights into biodiversity in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The discovery is significant for environmental management, as it sheds light on the ecosystems and potential resource areas of this understudied region.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric arsenic concentrations from 2005 to 2015, finding the highest levels in Chile and eastern China. The study highlights the growing health risks posed by airborne arsenic in India, surpassing China's levels by 2015.
Researchers found a 50% decline in North East Atlantic plankton over the past 60 years, with tiny picophytoplankton replacing more nutritious species. This shift affects fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, threatening shelf sea food webs.
Research reveals that rivers play a crucial role in transporting burned carbon from wildfires and managed burning to oceans, where it can be stored for tens of millennia. The study estimates that 18 million tonnes of dissolved burned carbon are transported annually by rivers.
Researchers analyzed sea-surface temperatures and planktonic foraminifer shells to determine that tropical ocean biodiversity started declining around 15,000 years ago, before the Anthropocene era. Continued global warming may further reduce biodiversity in tropical oceans.
Scientists propose integrating oceans into climate policies, highlighting four areas of investment: energy, transportation, food security, and habitat restoration. Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries also hold potential for reducing emissions and enhancing the food supply.
Researchers report that tsunami mitigation parks can effectively reduce damage from waves with amplitudes comparable to the hill height. The study highlights the need for buffer zones behind these hills to mitigate enhanced damage in their immediate vicinity.
Historical examples of sustainable and unsustainable fishing practices reveal common 'recipes for failure' that offer warnings for modern-day ocean management. Successful societies achieved balance between economic growth, social equity, and sustainability by managing resources fairly and responding to change.
Tropical Storm Jeruto was identified by NASA's Suomi NPP satellite on April 15, 2020, with a visible image showing elongated shape due to wind shear. Forecasters predict the storm will likely dissipate within a couple of days as vertical wind shear increases.
A new study outlines steps needed for marine ecosystems to recover from damage by 2050, citing examples of recovery following conservation interventions.
Tropical Storm 22S formed near northeastern Madagascar after being observed by NASA's Terra satellite, which captured strong thunderstorms and rainfall in the western quadrant. The storm is expected to strengthen to 90 knots (104 mph) before becoming subtropical and potentially pass between Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Researchers find historically rare events in Indian Ocean have become more frequent and intense, with potential dire impacts on Australia's climate. The study uses coral records to reconstruct variability over the last millennium, providing new insights into how the Indian Ocean interacts with ENSO.
New research reveals a worrying change in Indian Ocean surface temperatures, putting southeast Australia on course for increasingly hot and dry conditions. The study, led by Australian National University, suggests that historically rare events have become more frequent and intense during the 20th Century.
A new tool forecasts how marine microbes will adapt to warming seas, revealing two strategies: rapid short-term success and long-term evolution. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and their role in regulating carbon cycles.
Research reveals over 8 million to 14 million tonnes of unreported fish catches are traded illicitly annually, costing the legitimate market $9-17 billion. The economic impact is felt heavily in Asia, Africa, and South America, affecting millions' nutritional food security and livelihoods.
The review highlights the global scope of microplastic pollution, affecting not just oceans but also land surfaces and the air. Researchers emphasize the need for holistic studies and improved analytical tools to understand microplastics' impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
A University of Queensland-led international study found that at least 26% of the world's oceans need urgent conservation attention to preserve Earth's marine biodiversity. The study identified a total ocean area required for conservation varying from 26-41%, depending on species range conservation proportions.
NASA's GPM satellite measures heavy rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour for both storms, with lesser amounts falling on surrounding areas. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for strong surfs and flash floods in American Samoa.
Researchers found that 35% of organic particles sink to depths due to fragmentation, regulating the oceans' capacity to sequester CO2. The discovery helps explain what happens to half of the particle flux that sinks to depths, previously unknown.
Tropical Cyclone Esami formed on January 24 and dissipated three days later due to weakening winds. NASA's Aqua satellite imagery confirmed the storm's dissipation on January 27.
Tropical Cyclone 12P formed on January 25 with peak winds at 35 knots and dissipated by January 27 under adverse conditions. NASA's Aqua satellite observed the storm's demise, revealing areas of heavy rainfall that were quickly dissipating.
The Blue Acceleration refers to the rapid increase in human pressure on the world's ocean since the start of the 21st century. Scientists analyzed 50 years of data from various industries and found that the oil and gas sector is the largest contributor, responsible for one-third of the ocean economy.
The AutoNaut is a specially-adapted sea-going robot that can deploy an underwater Seaglider, carrying sensors for climate research. The vessel has been tested off the coast of Barbados and will be used to track cloud formation and its role in the climate system.
Tropical Cyclone Calvinia formed on Dec 29 and covered the island of Mauritius with bands of thunderstorms by Dec 30. The storm's organized shape indicated a high level of organization.
Tropical Storm Sarai has formed near Fiji, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph/65 kph) and a band of thunderstorms wrapping into its low-level center. The cyclone is expected to intensify as it passes southwest of Fiji, with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicting steady intensification to 65 knots.
A floating array of sensors in the Pacific Ocean will provide a comprehensive view of Earth's interior, offering insights into buoyancy, viscosity, density, and temperature of the deep mantel plume. The array will help scientists understand the plate-tectonic cycle that gives us energy and reveals the potential barriers for material fl...
A team led by the University of Exeter suggests that animals carrying sensors can fill gaps in ocean monitoring, particularly in areas near poles and shallow coastal regions. The study highlights the potential for animal-borne sensors to enhance our understanding of climate variability and weather patterns.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of newly formed Tropical Storm Sebastien northeast of the Leeward Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is moving northwest at 8mph and may strengthen slightly over the next day.
Matmo strengthened from a tropical storm to a storm with hurricane-force in the overnight hours of Nov. 7, according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite imagery. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Matmo to make landfall near the border of India and Bangladesh on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Research reveals oceanic black carbon differs significantly from riverine dissolved black carbon, raising fundamental questions about its origin and fate. The new technique uses stable carbon isotope analysis to track terrestrial sources of black carbon in the ocean.
Researchers found that a pathogenic fungus alters the metabolism of its host algae, producing carbolines that benefit the fungus while harming the algae. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts in oceanic ecosystems.
A $1.2 million NSF-funded study led by Texas A&M University is exploring the use of virtual reality training simulators to train workers for extreme environments. The researchers aim to create a framework for scenario-based simulations and games that utilize virtual reality, eye tracking, and brain wave data.
Scientists report that over one-third of ocean areas under protected status result from the annual Our Ocean Conference. The conference has driven meaningful action and elevated ocean issues on the international stage, with 4.8% of the global ocean area now protected.
A new study has confirmed that a massive asteroid impact led to the extinction of dinosaurs and much of life on Earth. The impact caused rapid ocean acidification, which lasted for tens of thousands of years before life forms recovered and the carbon cycle reached a new equilibrium.
The Suomi NPP satellite provided a composite visible image of Super Typhoon Hagibis, revealing its impressive structure with an eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm maintained its intensity as it moved north-northwest towards Japan.
Researchers have developed a novel statistical analysis to determine the global picture of how the ocean helps predict the low-level atmosphere and vice versa. The study reveals that the ocean influences the atmosphere almost everywhere in the extratropics, shedding light on regional climate prediction.
An interdisciplinary team from Northwestern University has developed a non-invasive imaging platform to study coral nanoscale structures and quantify pigment absorption in live corals. This tool could help researchers develop strategies to prevent coral reef death due to climate change.
The study's findings indicate that global tuna catches have increased by 1,000% in six decades, driven by industrial fisheries operating beyond capacity. The Pacific Ocean accounts for 67% of total catches, with many species, including bluefin and sharks, facing significant threats.
Hurricane Lorenzo has strengthened, becoming more organized with a rounded shape indicating intensification. The storm's eye is rapidly appearing in conventional satellite imagery, surrounded by very cold cloud tops.
Acting on ocean-focused emissions activities can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of changes in research, technology, and policy development could lead to a substantial reduction in global emissions by nearly 11 billion tons in 2050.
QUT researchers have created a new, safe way to clean up oil spills using a nontoxic, low-cost foam. The foam can be sprayed onto the surface of an oil spill and easily scraped away for safe disposal, offering a more efficient solution than current methods.
Tropical Storm Tapah exhibits a large thunderstorm band resembling a tail on NASA satellite imagery, suggesting better organization. The storm is also showing signs of strengthening, with forecasters predicting it will move north-northeast through the Sea of Japan.
Researchers found that as the Indian Ocean warms, it generates additional precipitation, drawing air from other parts of the world to dilute its salinity. This results in saltier water in the Atlantic Ocean, which accelerates its circulation, providing a potential 'jump-start' for the AMOC.
Tropical Depression Peipah weakened to a swirl of clouds on Sept. 16, with wind shear pushing strong thunderstorms southwest of the center. The storm was centered near 24.8 degrees north latitude and 142.8 degrees east longitude, about 82 miles east of Iwo To Island, Japan.
Tropical Storm Kiko strengthened into a tropical storm on Sept. 11, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its nighttime image on Sept. 12. The storm is forecast to approach hurricane strength later this weekend and is expected to continue moving west-northwest.
Tropical Storm Faxai has transitioned to an extra-tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by a strong gale-force cold core low-pressure area. The system is expected to continue tracking through the Northern Pacific Ocean over the next several days with weakening winds.
Tropical Storm Gabrielle's strongest side was identified by NASA's Aqua satellite on September 8, 2019. The MODIS image showed strongest thunderstorms northeast of the center with fragmented bands south and southwest of the center.
Francesca Verones aims to create a comprehensive life-cycle assessment tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of ocean-related activities. Her research will consider everything from shipping routes and pollutants to tourism and trash management.
NASA's Terra satellite used infrared light to analyze the strength of storms in Tropical Storm Faxai, finding strongest thunderstorms had cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm was predicted to make landfall near Tokyo on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Typhoon Lingling strengthens in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean with powerful thunderstorms circling its 15 nautical-mile wide eye. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reports that the storm is expected to intensify to 105 knots upon passing between Taiwan and Japan.
Hurricane Juliette has grown into a major hurricane, with its eye now visible in NASA satellite imagery. The storm's maximum sustained winds have reached near 125 mph (205 kph), and it is moving northwest at 8 mph (13 kph).
Tropical Storm Chantal formed despite strong winds, with eastward storms exhibiting vertical wind shear and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is forecast to slow and turn southward, potentially weakening into a tropical depression.