Ocean activity is key controller of summer monsoons
Researchers found an ocean heat-transporting mechanism controlling the monsoon's intensity. The mechanism strengthens the monsoon when winds drive south-flowing waters that cool the ocean.
Seawater
Articles tagged with Seawater
Arsenic-breathing life discovered in the tropical Pacific Ocean
Researchers found that microorganisms can use arsenic as an electron acceptor to extract energy from food, a strategy thought to be a holdover from Earth's early history. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying organisms that thrive in low-oxygen environments.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2019
Rapid melting of the world's largest ice shelf linked to solar heat in the ocean
Scientists have found that part of the world's largest ice shelf is melting 10 times faster than average due to solar heating of surrounding ocean surface. The Ross Ice Shelf's stability is affected by both deep ocean water and surface solar heat, with implications for sea level rise and glacier flow.
New view of how ocean 'pumps' impact climate change
A new paper outlines critical mechanisms involved in the ocean carbon cycle, specifically the biological pump. Researchers found that particle injection pumps are a more efficient way of pulling carbon from the surface into the deep waters.
Carbon dioxide from Silicon Valley affects the chemistry of Monterey Bay
Researchers measured high CO2 concentrations in air blowing out to sea from cities and agricultural areas, including Silicon Valley. This process could add 25 million tons of CO2 to the ocean annually, affecting acidity.
Soft tissue makes coral tougher in the face of climate change
Researchers discovered that corals with thicker soft tissues can recover more quickly from bleaching due to the presence of beneficial algae. The stored energy in these tissues helps corals survive until environmental factors improve.
Balancing the ocean carbon budget
Researchers aim to refine understanding of how carbon moves in the ocean by studying lesser-known mechanisms such as particle injection pumps. These processes, including vertical migration and subduction, are thought to sequester significant amounts of carbon, rivaling the biological gravitational pump.
New research offers solution to riddle of ocean carbon storage
Researchers have identified a new pathway for ocean carbon storage, known as particle injection pumps (PIPs), which move just as much carbon as the biological gravitational pump. The study, published in Nature, provides a breakthrough solution to understanding how carbon reaches the deep ocean and its impact on the global climate.
North Atlantic warming hole impacts jet stream
The North Atlantic warming hole has a significant impact on the North Atlantic jet stream, leading to changes in atmospheric circulation and storm tracks. The cooling pattern caused by the warming hole is predicted to become greater and more apparent as the century progresses.
Carbon lurking in deep ocean threw ancient climate switch, say researchers
A new study links a slowdown of the Atlantic Ocean current to a massive buildup of carbon in the deep ocean. This buildup cooled the planet and triggered a series of ice ages that lasted for hundreds of thousands of years. The research suggests that if this current continues to slow, it may not help store carbon emissions.
Sea snakes make record-setting deep dives
Researchers discovered sea snakes can dive as deep as 250 meters in the mesopelagic zone, challenging previous assumptions about their habitat. The ability to cope with diving sickness allows them to access previously unexplored ecosystems.
New study measures UV-filters in seawater and corals from Hawaii
Researchers analyzed 13 UV filters, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, in seawater, sediment, and coral tissues near Hawaiian coral reefs. The study found low concentrations of oxybenzone, but no octinoxate, and revealed surfactant degradation products in seawater that may impact corals.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 1, 2019
Illuminating water filtration
A team of researchers has revealed the molecular structure of membranes used in reverse osmosis, a leading method of purifying brackish water into drinking water. The study found that the perpendicular packing motif is better correlated with optimal filtration properties and may be related to how water pathways are oriented.
Discovery of parasitic arsenic cycle may offer glimpse of life in future, warmer oceans
A newly discovered parasitic arsenic cycle in which bacteria keep phytoplankton on an energy-sapping treadmill of nutrient detoxification may offer a glimpse into what further ocean warming will bring. This process could explain the success of SAR11 bacteria, which surpass all other plankton in numbers.
Researchers create hydrogen fuel from seawater
Stanford researchers have devised a way to generate hydrogen fuel from seawater using solar power, electrodes, and saltwater from San Francisco Bay. The new method uses electrolysis to separate hydrogen and oxygen gas from seawater via electricity, overcoming the limitations of existing methods that rely on purified water.
Southern Ocean acidification puts marine organisms at risk
Researchers warn that acidification of the Southern Ocean will disrupt marine food webs due to a layer of corrosive water forming below the surface. The new shallow horizon would reduce viable pteropod habitat, impacting global fisheries and ocean ecosystems.
Environmental responses to Holocene climate variation
Researchers analyzed fossil pollen and sedimentary records to study Holocene climate variability's impact on the northeastern US. The findings suggest rapid ecological changes in response to changing climate conditions.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
NASA's Aqua Satellite finds Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique Channel
Tropical Cyclone Idai was detected by NASA's Aqua satellite on March 11, 2019, with powerful thunderstorms wrapping around an eye obscured by high clouds. The storm was forecast to make landfall near Beira, Mozambique as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 knots.
What triggered the 100,000-year Ice Age cycle?
A new study found that a slowing of ocean circulation in Antarctica's waters drastically altered global ice age cycles, making them colder and longer. The mid-Pleistocene transition, with no obvious orbital cause, remains largely unexplained.
NASA's infrared vision reveals Tropical Cyclone Haleh's power
Tropical Cyclone Haleh intensified into a hurricane-force storm with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms with the capability to produce heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to continue weakening before becoming extra-tropical in five days.
Radiography of marine litter in Spanish waters
A study reveals that plastics are the main component of marine litter in Spanish waters, with high densities in the Alboran Sea. The research also shows that waste accumulation has remained stable in some areas, while others have seen a decrease in density over time.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateMar 4, 2019
Coastal waters are unexpected hotspots for nitrogen fixation
Researchers found that cyanobacterial diazotrophs drive nitrogen fixation in coastal areas, fueling photosynthesis and CO2 uptake. The new technique allowed for near-continuous analysis of N2 fixation, revealing higher rates in coastal waters than previously thought.
The smallest skeletons in the marine world observed in 3D by synchrotron techniques
Researchers use X-ray nanotomography to study the 3D structure of coccolithophore calcite shells, revealing correlations between shell mass and organic template size. The findings provide new insights into the role of these tiny microorganisms in the global carbon cycle.
Surface lakes cause Antarctic ice shelves to 'flex'
Researchers found that filling and draining of meltwater lakes on Antarctic ice shelves causes them to flex, which can lead to instability. The study supports the idea that recent ice shelf breakup was triggered by large amounts of surface meltwater produced in response to atmospheric warming.
Wave device could deliver clean energy to thousands of homes
A new wave energy technology developed by University of Edinburgh and Italian engineers uses flexible rubber membranes to generate electricity from wave motion. The device has the potential to replace conventional designs and produce clean energy for thousands of homes, with potential deployment in Scottish waters within decades.
Sea snakes that can't drink seawater
A new study reveals that sea snakes in dry regions rely on freshwater lenses formed on the ocean's surface to quench their thirst. Researchers found that only a portion of the captured snakes accepted the offered freshwater after rainfall began.
Munitions at the bottom of the Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is home to large quantities of sunken munitions, posing an environmental risk. Researchers have provided guidelines and decision-making support to help address this issue.
Deep sea reveals linkage between earthquake and carbon cycle
An international team has quantified the entire trench-wide volume of marine sediments remobilized by the magnitude 9 Tohoku-oki earthquake in 2011, transporting over 1 Tg of carbon to ocean depths. The study highlights the importance of deep-sea trenches in the global carbon cycle.
Melting ice sheets may cause 'climate chaos' according to new modelling
A new study simulates the effects of melting ice sheets on ocean temperatures and circulation patterns, as well as air temperatures, by 2100. The research predicts significant disruptions to ocean currents and increased warming around the world.
'Twilight Zone' could help preserve shallow water reefs
Researchers at University of Queensland found that corals from the 'twilight zone' can grow faster in shallow light environments, offering a potential solution to preserving coral habitats. The study suggests that mesophotic corals can thrive with limited light, challenging current views of these deep-water ecosystems.
Volcanic growth 'critical' to the formation of Panama
Scientists from Cardiff University propose that volcanic activity played a significant role in the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama, which formed around 2.8 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on one of Earth's most significant geological events, affecting global weather patterns and biodiversity.
European waters drive ocean overturning, key for regulating climate
A new international study reveals that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is primarily driven by cooling waters west of Europe, with significant implications for predicting future climate impacts. The study found that the overturning variability in this region was seven times greater than in the Labrador Sea.
First 'OSNAP' results alter understanding of Atlantic overturning circulation variability
The first 'OSNAP' results show that deep water formation in the Labrador Sea plays a minor role in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability. Instead, deep waters moving south through the abyssal basins east of Greenland dominate AMOC variability.
Key sea star predator wiped out by disease and abnormally warm waters
A new study finds that a sea star wasting disease and warmer sea surface temperatures led to the dramatic decline of sunflower starfish in both nearshore and deep waters. This collapse has broader effects on kelp beds and other marine ecosystems.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 30, 2019
What atoms do when liquids and gases meet
Researchers from UC3M and Imperial College London have developed a new theory that explains the behavior of liquids and gases at the microscopic scale. The study reveals that the arrangement of atoms exhibits certain mathematical properties called resonances, which provide a consistent description of liquid-gas fluctuations.
BFU physicists developed a method of determining the composition of microplastic in water
Researchers collected microplastic samples from different levels of the Baltic Sea and identified 33 types of contaminants, including nylon and polyethylene. The new method allows for clear identification of chemical composition, which is crucial for understanding ocean pollution.
Greenland ice melting four times faster than in 2003, study finds
A new study found that Greenland's southwest region is losing ice at an alarming rate, contributing significantly to sea level rise. This finding has serious implications for coastal cities and island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels.
Environmental 'time bomb' warning for world's groundwater reserves
Research reveals over half of global groundwater flows won't respond to climate change until after 100 years, posing long-term water security risks for millions. This finding emphasizes the need for proactive water management policies and climate adaptation strategies.
Record-breaking ocean temperatures point to trends of global warming
The 2018 ocean heat content observations reveal the highest recorded temperature for the global ocean since the 1950s. This increase in heat content is ~100 million times more than the Hiroshima bomb and highlights the consequences of global warming on oceanic water temperatures.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 16, 2019
UN warns of rising levels of toxic brine as desalination plants meet growing water needs
Desalination plants worldwide discharge 142 million cubic meters of hypersaline brine daily, threatening ocean life and ecosystems. The UN calls for improved brine management strategies to meet growing water needs.
Seawater turns into freshwater through solar energy: A new low-cost technology
A new prototype using solar energy can double the amount of drinking water produced at given solar energy levels. The technology uses 'passive' processes without mechanical or electrical components, making it inexpensive and simple to install.
Research sheds new light on what drove last, long-term global climate shift
A team of researchers found that the closure of the Bering Strait due to glaciation caused stratification in the North Pacific, removing CO2 from the atmosphere and leading to global cooling. This discovery provides new insights into the driving factors behind the Mid-Pleistocene Transition.
URI researchers: Small changes in oxygen levels have big implications for ocean life
Researchers found that slight changes in oxygen levels can push zooplankton beyond their limits, leading to potential population crashes and cascading effects on food webs. The study's findings highlight the importance of monitoring ocean oxygen levels due to climate change.
Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth's interior
A seismic study spanning the Mariana Trench reveals that subduction zones drag about three times more water into the deep Earth than previously estimated. The observations highlight the important role of subduction zones in the global water cycle, with implications for our understanding of the Earth's interior.
Indian Ocean may be more disruptive to tropical climate than previously believed
A new study reveals that the Indian Ocean played a far greater role in driving climate change during the last ice age and may disrupt climate again in the future. The research found that changes in ocean temperatures and winds drove radical climate shifts, challenging Pacific-centric theories.
Ocean fertilization by unusual microbes extends to frigid waters of Arctic Ocean
A new type of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, UCYN-A, has been found in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean, challenging traditional assumptions about its presence. This discovery reveals that nitrogen fixation by UCYN-A occurs globally, including in frigid Arctic waters.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018
Scientists reveal substantial water loss in global landlocked regions
A new study reveals a widespread decline in water storage in global endorheic basins, resulting in increased local water stress and potential sea level rise. The researchers found a net water loss of approximately 100 billion tons per year, equivalent to five Great Salt Lakes or three Lake Meads.
UIC's mission: To model life on Saturn's moon in the lab
Researchers at UIC aim to recreate Titan's oceanic conditions in a laboratory growth chamber to detect potential biosignatures of life on the moon. They plan to grow microorganisms under high pressure and extreme cold to identify characteristic chemical and biological signatures.
Marine species quickly revealed by new 'Go Fish' tool, highlights potential of emerging eDNA science
A new 'Go Fish' tool confirms marine species presence in water samples within three days, complementing traditional monitoring systems. Experts at the first US National Conference on Marine Environmental DNA discuss the potential of emerging eDNA science to enhance ocean management and inform policy decisions.
Microplastics pollution in Falklands as high as UK
A new study has discovered high levels of microplastic contamination in the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island, with some areas showing comparable levels to those around the UK. The research highlights the need for standardized monitoring methods to address this growing environmental concern.
A water treatment breakthrough, inspired by a sea creature
A team of Yale researchers has developed a novel, highly stable nanocoagulant that removes both suspended and dissolved contaminants from water in a single step. This breakthrough promises to significantly improve on centuries-old coagulant-based water treatment methods, addressing global water scarcity.
How the Atlantic Ocean became part of the global circulation at a climatic tipping point
Scientists discovered that the Atlantic Ocean's connection to the global thermohaline circulation occurred at a climatic tipping point around 59 million years ago. This enabled a more efficient distribution of heat over the planet, marking the end of a long-term cooling phase and the beginning of a new greenhouse period.
New insight into ocean-atmosphere interaction and subsequent cloud formation
A recent study by Hokkaido University scientists investigates the impact of organic compounds from seawater on atmospheric aerosols and cloud formation. The research found that sea spray aerosols contain a larger proportion of humic-like substances, which can suppress cloud formation.
Greenhouse gases triggering more changes than we can handle
A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.
Ocean warming
Researchers at the University of Delaware have found a previously unknown pathway for heat to travel from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Indonesian Throughflow. This discovery has significant implications for climate change research and could inform scientists about global warming.
Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth's interior
A new seismic study reveals that subduction zones drag about three times more water down into the deep Earth than previously estimated. The observations from the Mariana Trench have important implications for the global water cycle, suggesting that much of the Earth's water is being recycled through volcanic activity.
After a bad winter in the ocean, female Magellanic penguins suffer most, study shows
Research by Rebstock and Boersma found that Río de la Plata's plume affects female penguin body conditions, but not males. A weaker plume may increase prey density and visibility, helping females catch fish.
Motley crews of bacteria cleanse water at huge oceanic Georgia Aquarium exhibit
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in the aquarium's water that break down waste and nitrates with varying efficiency. The study suggests that mixed bacterial communities may work more efficiently than single-star players, providing a backup option for optimal performance.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 23, 2018
Estimating the feeding habits of corals may offer new insights on resilient reefs
Researchers found that corals living in more productive waters consume plankton and other microorganisms for energy, suggesting some corals are less reliant on symbiotic algae. This discovery could aid predictions on coral recovery from bleaching events and inform strategies for identifying resilient reefs.
Arctic ice sets speed limit for major ocean current
The Beaufort Gyre's speed is controlled by the Arctic ice cover, which acts as a natural governor to slow down the gyre. As the Arctic ice melts, the gyre speeds up, gathering more fresh water from the Arctic's river runoff and melting ice.