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Going against the trend

Researchers discovered that sea-ice changes are the most probable cause for the cooling of surface waters in the Southern Ocean. Simulations show that stronger winds propelled sea ice into the open ocean, enhancing freshwater transport and creating a stratified seawater layer with reduced heat exchange.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAGU Advances·DateMay 6, 2020

How stable is deep ocean circulation in warmer climate?

A Rutgers University study suggests short-term disruptions of deep ocean circulation occurred during past warm interglacial periods, which may happen again due to climate change. The study found century-long disruptions in the North Atlantic Deep Water formation during four warm interglacial periods within the past 450,000 years.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2020

Ancient Antarctic ice melt increased sea levels by 3+ meters -- and it could happen again

A new international study led by UNSW Sydney reveals that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet melted rapidly during the Last Interglacial period, causing a multi-metre rise in global mean sea levels. The research suggests that the ice sheet is highly sensitive to future ocean warming, posing an urgent need to minimize warming.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2020

Microplastic hotspots

Researchers discovered a substantial concentration of microplastics in the Delaware Bay, accumulating in hotspots driven by tidal, wind, and buoyancy variations. The study used field sampling and modeling to simulate microplastic distribution and found high concentrations near salinity fronts where surface currents converge.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 3, 2020

Sea-level rise and land subsidence in delta

Researchers analyzed 101 monthly stream and tide gauge records to estimate variations in relative water level in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta from 1968 to 2012. The study found RWL increased by approximately 3mm/year, similar to global mean sea-level increase, leading to estimated maximum land subsidence rates of 1-7mm/year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

A better estimate of water-level rise in the Ganges delta

Scientists provided reliable regional estimates of land subsidence and water-level rise in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, projecting 85-140cm rise by 2100. The delta's 200 million inhabitants face significant flooding risks due to climate change, intense monsoon rainfall, rising sea levels, and land subsidence.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

A fragile balance

Researchers found that changes in deep-water circulation occurred around 7,000 years ago, influencing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of studying past climate change and suggests future climate change could lead to increased CO2 release from Southern Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

How Enceladus got its stripes

The study investigates the physical forces acting on Enceladus that allow the tiger stripe fissures to form and remain in place. The researchers found that the fissures could have formed on either pole, but the south pole's unique deformation led to their formation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 9, 2019

How do world's smallest sea turtles become stranded in Cape Cod?

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate wind and water conditions that cause Kemp's ridley sea turtles to become stranded on beaches in Cape Cod. The study found that turtles are more likely to strand when water temperatures drop below 10.5°C and winds blow with high wind stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019