Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A rapidly changing Arctic

A new study finds that freshwater runoff from rivers and shelf sediments are bringing significant quantities of carbon and trace elements into the Arctic Ocean. This increase in nutrients may boost Arctic marine productivity, but also exacerbates climate warming.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateApr 8, 2020

The ocean responds to a warming planet

New research reveals that up to 93% of North Atlantic Subtropical Mode Water has been lost in the past decade due to ocean warming, weakening its ability to absorb heat and carbon dioxide.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 6, 2020

New sediment record reveals instability of North Atlantic deep ocean circulation

A new study reveals frequent disruptions to North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) stability during warm climate interglacials, contradicting previous notions of relative stability. The high-resolution sediment record suggests that large perturbations in ocean circulation are more easily triggered than previously thought.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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

Stanford researcher investigates how squid communicate in the dark

Researchers suggest that squid use visual communication to establish order in near-darkness, utilizing light-producing organs and shifting skin patterns. The study found supporting evidence for this hypothesis in anatomical studies of captured squid.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Hidden source of carbon found at the Arctic coast

Researchers found that groundwater flowing from frozen permafrost carries significant concentrations of carbon and nutrients to Arctic coastal food webs. The discovery suggests a new and potentially important source of fuel for local coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

FSU Research: Hidden source of carbon found at the Arctic coast

A new study by FSU researchers reveals that groundwater flows on top of frozen permafrost are a significant source of dissolved organic matter entering Arctic coastal waters. This ancient carbon is transported to the ocean without decomposition and provides a new food source for local coastal ecosystems.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

$8.3M award to WHOI extends observational record of critical climate research

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has received an $8.3 million grant to extend the life of the Overturning in the Sub-polar North Atlantic Program, a key part of Earth's ocean-climate system. The program provides a high-resolution view of processes that regulate global climate and influence weather in Europe.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateMar 18, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Almost alien: Antarctic subglacial lakes are cold, dark and full of secrets

The Whillans Subglacial Lake, located in West Antarctica, contains a pool of dissolved organic carbon that can be produced in 4.8 to 11.9 years. This nutrient-rich environment provides essential energy and sources for life in the ice-covered regions of the Southern Ocean.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 4, 2020

Nutrient pollution and ocean warming negatively affect early life of corals

A new study found that elevated nutrients and modest water temperature increases negatively affect coral larvae's first few days of life. The research revealed that nutrient imbalances can seriously impact coral larvae, but certain larvae types are more resistant to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCoral Reefs·DateMar 3, 2020

Early Earth may have been a 'waterworld'

Researchers discovered that the ratio of oxygen isotopes in ancient ocean rocks suggests a global ocean covered most of the planet's surface at that time. This finding could help scientists understand how single-cell organisms first emerged on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 2, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study reveals Missoula Floods impact on past abrupt climate changes

The study found that massive flood events in the eastern North Pacific Ocean, known as the Missoula Floods, may have contributed to abrupt climate changes in the Northern Hemisphere. The researchers reconstructed sea surface temperature and salinity patterns using fossil plankton data from marine sediment cores.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2020

A better way to detect underground water leaks

A new method has been proposed to swiftly and accurately detect underground water leaks in transmission mains. By assimilating data from pressure sensors into a mathematical model, the researchers claim faster results with higher accuracy than current methods, reducing computational costs and improving speed.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateFeb 27, 2020

Breaking down stubborn molecules

Scientists investigate microorganisms in the twilight zone of the ocean and find they can degrade recalcitrant organic compounds. The study provides insight into the ocean's carbon cycle and may help predict microbes' role in regulating it.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateFeb 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Warming oceans are getting louder (audio available)

Researchers found that warmer waters increase the frequency and intensity of snapping shrimp sounds, which could dominate coastal ocean soundscapes. This might impact fish communication, human sonar instruments, and even Navy mine detection systems.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateFeb 18, 2020

Earth's glacial cycles enhanced by Antarctic sea-ice

A study published in PNAS reveals that Antarctic sea-ice played a crucial role in past climate transitions, storing extra carbon in the deep ocean and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Sea ice formation increases storage of carbon in the deep ocean, leading to a 30 ppm drawdown of atmospheric CO2.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 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

NASA examines Tropical Storm Uesi's heavy rainfall

NASA measured heavy rainfall around Tropical Storm Uesi's center and in a large band of thunderstorms, triggering warnings for Vanuatu. The heaviest rainfall was falling at 1.2 inches per hour near the center, while a large band of thunderstorms experienced rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

First-of-its-kind study examines toll of nuclear war on world's oceans

A recent study by the University of Colorado Boulder and Rutgers University explores the impact of nuclear war on the world's oceans. The research finds that smoke generated by detonated warheads could shift ocean acidification patterns and rob waters of essential building blocks for organisms like corals.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2020

Global ocean circulation is accelerating from the surface to the abyss

A new study reveals global ocean circulation has accelerated over the past two decades, with a sharp increase in kinetic energy from 1990s onwards. The acceleration is attributed to intensification of surface winds and a near 2%-per-decade rise in wind speeds.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 5, 2020

Flushing nitrogen from seawater-based toilets

A novel bacteria effectively removes nitrogen from salty wastewater, suggesting a potential solution for sewage treatment from seawater-based toilets. This finding could help alleviate pressure on freshwater resources as the world's population is expected to grow to 10 billion by 2050.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalWater Research·DateFeb 3, 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
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Understanding long-term trends in ocean layering

Researchers found that upper-ocean stratification is increasing in about 40% of the world's oceans, which could have a negative impact on the marine food chain. The study suggests that global warming may be driving this trend.

SourceTohoku University·DateJan 29, 2020

Will the future's super batteries be made of seawater?

Researchers are exploring seawater-based Na-ion batteries as a potential alternative to lithium ion batteries. A new study investigated electrode materials that increase voltage, capacity, and wattage. The development of these batteries could alleviate concerns around cobalt mining and reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJan 23, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Quo vadis Antarctic bottom water?

Researchers found that Antarctic Bottom Water, a deep-water mass in the Southern Hemisphere, was disrupted from spreading northwards into the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans during peak ice ages. The study suggests that weaker circulation in the Southern Ocean during cold periods may have interrupted this process.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2020

Deep diving scientists discover bubbling CO2 hotspot

Researchers have discovered a unique CO2 hotspot in the ocean, with readings of up to 95,000 parts per million. The site, known as Soda Springs, is being studied for its potential to understand how coral reefs cope with climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2020

Climate gas budgets highly overestimate methane discharge from Arctic Ocean

Scientists found that seasonal temperature variations in the Arctic Ocean significantly impact methane emissions, with a 43% decrease in colder conditions. This study corrected existing estimates in the methane emissions budget, highlighting the importance of considering seasonal changes in biogeochemical processes.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 13, 2020

Record-setting ocean warmth continued in 2019

A new analysis shows the world's oceans were the warmest in 2019 than any other time in recorded human history. The study reveals that the past ten years have been the warmest on record for global ocean temperatures, with significant consequences for marine life and extreme weather events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Ocean acidification is damaging shark scales

Research on puffadder shysharks reveals that ocean acidification damages up to 25% of their denticles, limiting their swimming ability. The study also found that sharks have an acid-base regulatory mechanism to adapt to environmental conditions.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 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

Pacific infiltration of Southern Ocean

Research reveals Pacific Ocean infiltration into the Southern Ocean around 6,000-7,000 years ago, possibly due to weakened westerly winds. This finding may signal potential impacts of climate change on the region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

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
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Discovering a new fundamental underwater force

A team of mathematicians has discovered a new phenomenon that generates a fluidic force capable of moving and binding particles immersed in density-layered fluids. This breakthrough offers an alternative to previously held assumptions about particle accumulation in lakes and oceans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

Marine biology: Acidified oceans may corrode shark scales

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that prolonged exposure to high carbon dioxide seawater may corrode tooth-like scales covering the skin of puffadder shysharks. The research found that 25% of denticles were damaged in acidified water, compared to 9.2% in a control group.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2019

New ice river detected at Arctic glacier adds to rising seas

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new ice river forming on the Vavilov ice cap in Siberia, shedding nearly 11% of its mass since 2013. The rapid ice loss is believed to be linked to climate change, which can cause unstable ice shelves and erosion by warm water.

SourceCornell University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 17, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Could we cool the Earth with an ice-free Arctic?

An ice-free Arctic region could lead to increased global warming, but also offer benefits like reduced shipping distances and heating demands. IIASA researchers propose strategies to increase the North Atlantic current, which could lower ocean temperatures and mitigate climate change.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalSN Applied Sciences·DateDec 10, 2019

Microplastic to be mapped in the North Atlantic Ocean

A new European research project, HOTMIC, aims to investigate the fate of microplastic in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study's lead researcher suggests that microplastic particles may be transported by microorganisms or marine animals, which could have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·DateDec 9, 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
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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

The heat is on

An international team of scientists analyzed 3 million species records from 200 ecological communities worldwide to reveal the impact of ocean warming on fish communities. The study found that subtle changes in species movement in response to rising temperatures made a significant impact on the global picture.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 25, 2019

Life under extreme conditions at hot springs in the ocean

Marine researchers investigated adaptability of marine organisms to highly acidified seawater after earthquake and typhoon hit a volcanic island. Organisms were able to adapt to changes in biogeochemistry, providing insights into effects of ocean acidification on marine communities.

SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2019

New catalyst efficiently produces hydrogen from seawater

Researchers have developed a new oxygen evolution reaction catalyst that can produce hydrogen from seawater at current densities capable of supporting industrial demands. The catalyst requires relatively low voltage to start seawater electrolysis and avoids obstacles that limited earlier attempts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Deep sea vents had ideal conditions for origin of life

A UCL-led research team has successfully created self-assembling protocells in hot, alkaline seawater, a key stepping stone to cell-based life. The study suggests that heat and alkalinity are necessary for the formation of life, adding weight to the theory that deep-sea hydrothermal vents could be the origin of life.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 4, 2019