Articles tagged with Seawater
A new study finds that offshore waters off the Chilean coast experienced systematic oxygen depletion during the rapid warming of the Antarctic following the last glacial maximum. The research suggests that climate change may be contributing to outbreaks of hypoxia along the near-shore regions of South America and the Pacific Northwest.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals the northern Alaska coastline is eroding up to one-third the length of a football field annually. The conditions are caused by a combination of declining sea ice, warming seawater, and increased wave activity, which are leading to the steady retreat of bluffs along the Beaufort Sea.
High-resolution computer simulations reveal that North Atlantic water enters the Arctic Ocean through three main routes: Fram Strait, Barents Sea northern branch, and southern branch. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of ocean climate change mechanisms.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has selected Marinette Marine Corporation to build the 254-foot Alaska Region Research Vessel, a state-of-the-art platform for studying climate change and its implications on the Arctic environment. The $123 million contract is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Researchers found Kuwait Bay's sea surface temperature rose at an average rate of 0.62°C per decade, three times the global average. This increase is attributed to 50% due to local drivers such as wind and river flow, while 13% is caused by human activity.
Scientists estimate a decline in the oceans' ability to absorb manmade carbon, potentially impacting future climate. The study found that the proportion of fossil-fuel emissions absorbed by the oceans since 2000 may have declined by up to 10%.
A new study confirms the Greenland ice sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate, primarily driven by accelerated iceberg production and increased surface meltwater. The research suggests this trend is likely to continue in the near future, with significant implications for global sea level rise.
A new Stanford University study suggests the early ocean was much more temperate and life likely diversified and spread across the globe sooner. The researchers analyzed isotope ratios in ancient rocks, finding that the ocean temperature could not have been more than 40C, contradicting previous estimates of at least 55 degrees Celsius.
Researchers have developed a new model that explains the formation of banded iron formations, offering insights into the early ocean floor's composition and geochemical conditions. The study suggests that interactions between rocks, water, and air played a crucial role in creating these iconic formations.
Tropical Depression Parma has weakened but is still causing trouble in the Philippines with public storm warning signals in effect for many areas. The satellite image shows high, cold thunderstorm cloud tops in Parma, associated with moderate to heavy rainfall.
The OceanScope Working Group aims to collect high-resolution data on ocean interior dynamics and its impact on climate. Representatives from academia, industry, and government agencies are working together to establish a global network of ocean observation platforms on commercial ships.
Researchers have named a new species of chimaera, an ancient group of fishes distantly related to sharks, from the coast of Southern California and Baja California. The Eastern Pacific black ghostshark (Hydrolagus melanophasma) is known from nine preserved museum specimens and video footage taken of it alive in deep water.
Oceanographers at University of Hawaii at Manoa found that deeper pelagic fish have higher mercury concentrations due to their unique diets. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of understanding the open ocean ecosystem to sustainably manage fish populations.
Scientists from Stanford University and their international colleagues use cutting-edge technology to monitor the Gulf of Aqaba's surface currents, shedding light on its complex dynamics. The research helps environmental agencies respond to spills and minimize pollution, while also informing large-scale water projects.
Scientists report that plastics in the ocean decompose with surprising speed, releasing potentially toxic substances like bisphenol A and PS oligomer. This discovery highlights the need for further research on plastic decomposition and its effects on marine life and human health.
Researchers at Oregon State University have created a global three-dimensional map of electrical conductivity in the Earth's mantle, indicating areas of high conductivity coincide with subduction zones. The model suggests that water drawn downward during subduction processes may be responsible for enhanced conductivity in these areas.
Sumita B. Mitra's research on dental materials has restored millions of decayed teeth, while William E. Mickols and John Cadotte invented filters to desalinate seawater, providing fresh water for millions worldwide. Their innovations have led to significant breakthroughs in medicine and technology.
The project aims to create the most detailed maps of Oregon's seafloor along its coast, measuring water depth, identifying navigational hazards, and recording natural features. The data collected will help researchers and coastal managers protect coastal communities and marine habitats.
Researchers successfully conducted riser-drilling operations in the Nankai Trough earthquake zone to gather information on geological formations and stress-strain characteristics. This technology enabled dynamic formation testing and measurement of stress, water pressure, and rock permeability.
A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology claims that comets contained vast oceans of liquid water during their formation, providing ideal conditions for primitive bacteria to grow and multiply. The study's findings support the theory of cometary panspermia, which suggests that life was introduced to Earth by c...
The CHIKYU vessel conducted the first riser-drilling operation in the Nankai Trough earthquake zone, reaching a depth of 1,603.7 meters beneath the seafloor. The operation provided valuable information on geological formations and stress-strain characteristics.
Researchers from Caltech have discovered a mechanism that explains how tiny swimming animals can affect the ocean environment, creating instability and mixing large scales. The impact of biogenic ocean mixing is estimated to be comparable to wind forcing and tidal forcing.
A Scripps-led study reveals that improving ocean health can accelerate coral reef recovery after bleaching events. Corals from reefs with clean water and abundant sea life bounced back to normal growth rates within two to three years.
Climate model simulations suggest the Toba supervolcano's eruption caused a decade of severe volcanic winters, with devastating consequences for humanity and ecosystems. The study also analyzed fault movement during the Wenchuan earthquake, finding that simultaneous ruptures of two faults contributed to the disaster. Additionally, scie...
Researchers found that Antarctic species are already near their upper temperature limit, making them vulnerable to ecological imbalances. Smaller individuals can tolerate higher temperatures, while active predators fare better than sessile species, potentially disrupting the food chain and leading to greater ecosystem damage.
Researchers detect sodium salts in Enceladus plume, confirming presence of salty ocean beneath moon's surface. The concentration of sodium chloride is estimated to be similar to Earth's oceans, with a concentration of 0.1-0.3 moles per kilogram of water.
A recent study suggests that Saturn's moon Enceladus' water vapor jets originate from the surface and not an underground ocean. The research, conducted by the University of Colorado at Boulder, found that the sodium content in the water vapor was too low to support the geyser hypothesis.
Mercury levels in the Mackenzie River delta have been dramatically increased, exceeding previous estimates by an entire year's worth of mercury. This is a significant concern for northern communities that rely heavily on Arctic fish species and Beluga whales as a food source.
A new study published in New Journal of Physics suggests that the Earth's main magnetic field may be induced by ocean currents, defying previous theories. The researchers found correlations between changes in ocean circulation and geomagnetic secular variation, which could revolutionize our understanding of the magnetosphere.
A recent study published in Hydrological Processes reveals that the Greenland ice sheet is a major contributor to sea-level rise, accounting for nearly 25% of global sea-rise in the past 13 years. The study also shows that seas are rising at a rate of over 3 millimeters per year, more than 50% faster than the average for the 20th century.
Researchers explore geologic evolution of Savu Island, active tectonic maps for the Tibet-Himalaya region, and syntectonic zoning in biotite porphyroblasts. The study also delves into the potential for explosive eruptions and growth patterns of silicic volcanoes.
The study reveals that human impacts, such as dams and agriculture, are the main cause of sediment accumulation in Catalan rivers. Global warming also exacerbates the problem by reducing river discharge.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a non-toxic coating that resists barnacle buildup for up to 18 months, saving ship owners millions in cleaning and fuel costs. The unique wrinkled topography of the coating prevents barnacles from latching on, a finding that could significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption.
The Arctic Ocean's ownership is disputed due to varying assumptions about its geography, with countries like Russia and Canada viewing it as land with water on top, while the US sees it as just water. This misunderstanding can lead to large-scale disputes over resource extraction.
New research suggests that moderate to high rates of ice melt from Greenland may shift ocean circulation by about 2100, causing sea levels off the northeast coast of North America to rise by 30-51 centimeters (12-20 inches) more than other coastal areas. This could lead to significant impacts on major northeastern cities.
Research suggests that moderate to high Greenland ice melt rates could drive 4-12 inches of additional water towards heavily populated areas in the northeastern US and Canada, on top of average global sea level rise. This could lead to significant impacts on the northeast US coast by 2100.
A NASA/University team developed a method to indicate the presence of oceans on extrasolar Earth-like worlds by analyzing how Earth's light changes as it rotates. The technique relies on observing blue color changes caused by oceans, which appear bluer than continents.
A new study found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's collapse would raise global sea levels by only 3.3 meters, not the previously estimated 5-6 meters, with US coastal areas experiencing a 25% increase in sea level rise, posing significant threats to cities like New York and San Francisco.
Scientists estimate that the collapse of West Antarctica's ice sheet would raise global sea levels by 3.3 meters, not five or six as previously thought. The region's unique below-sea level topography makes it more prone to instability.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Duke University have discovered a new pathway for cold water to flow southward in the North Atlantic. The study used field observations and computer models to find that much of the Labrador Sea Water follows an interior path, not along the traditional deep western boundary current.
Researchers used sophisticated floats to show that much of the cold Labrador seawater is diverted eastward by the time it reaches Massachusetts, rather than following a continuous loop with warm surface waters. This finding may affect global warming forecasters and climate signal measurement in the deep ocean.
A landmark USGS study documents the process of methylmercury formation in the North Pacific Ocean, which contaminates tuna and other seafood. The study shows that long-range transport of mercury from Asia is a significant pathway, highlighting the need for reduced mercury emissions to protect public health.
The University of Washington's seaglider successfully operated for six months under the ice in Davis Strait, collecting data on fresh water exiting the Arctic. The record-breaking deployment contributes to understanding climate change impacts on ocean circulation.
Researchers found a layer on top of subducted plates where S-waves are 30-50% slower than typical oceanic crust, indicating high water saturation levels. This ultra-slow-velocity layer is linked to slow earthquakes and non-volcanic tremors, providing clues about their causes.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School received a $900,000 gift from the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation to purchase an ICP-MS, expanding its analytical capabilities. The new equipment will enable scientists to study smaller samples and analyze trace elements in ocean water samples.
Dartmouth researchers found a significant increase in rare element osmium worldwide, tracing it to platinum refinement and catalytic converters. The team measured osmium in precipitation, surface water, and deep water globally, with most of the findings linked to industrial processes.
The Arctic is expected to lose four-fifths of its summer sea ice, reducing it from 4.6 million square kilometers to 1 million, with warming temperatures contributing to the decline. This rapid change is attributed to natural variability and increased greenhouse gases.
Tokuo Yamamoto, a University of Miami marine acoustics expert, won the 2008 Alan Berman Research Publication Award for his work on velocity dispersion and attenuation in New Jersey Shelf sediments. The award recognizes his research on high frequency acoustic waves interacting with silty-sand marine sediments.
Scientists use Autosub, a robot submarine, to map the seabed and underside of Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica. The mission aims to understand why the glacier is thinning and accelerating over recent decades.
A new study finds that the northeastern US coast will experience rapid sea-level rise due to global warming, posing significant threats to New York City and its surrounding areas. The expected rise of up to 8.3 inches could lead to flooding, submersion of low-lying land, and damage to ecosystems.
The Dead Sea's water levels are decreasing at an accelerated rate, primarily caused by increased human water consumption from the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers. The study suggests that desalination of seawater or construction of new channels could help slow down the receding water levels.
Scientists found reduced export of North Atlantic deep water during Heinrich event 1, supporting hypothesis on freshwater's impact. However, they dispute the existence of a terminal extinction event in the Karoo Basin's continental record.
The observed ocean warming has contributed significantly to global average sea level rise, with a 20mm increase over the past 53 years. The thermosteric component of sea level change is one of several factors affecting sea level, including glacier melting and freshwater transfer.
The Greenland ice sheet is expected to melt, causing a 23-foot sea level rise, while Antarctica's ice sheet could add up to 190 feet. Recent studies show that the ice sheets are melting faster than snow replacement.
Research reveals swimmers using public ocean beaches increase their risk for staph organism exposure and potential infections. Taking precautions like showering before entry can reduce the risk of infection.
Four NASA Goddard scientists, John Connerney, Thomas Moore, Richard Ray, and Compton Tucker, have been named AGU Fellows for their outstanding work in the field. They were recognized for their research contributions to planetary science, geophysics, and space plasmas.
A University of Minnesota-led study connects iron sources from extreme depths to surface life, shedding light on nutrient cycling. Researchers found that hydrothermal vents release rusty iron, which can provide essential nutrients for sea life.
Scientists have developed a new equation of state for seawater based on Absolute Salinity, which is expected to provide more accurate thermodynamic calculations. The new approach aims to improve the understanding of seawater's properties and its role in the global heat engine.
The study predicts a rise in sea levels around North America and southern Indian Ocean due to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, exceeding current estimates by as much as 25%. The ice sheet's melting will cause significant changes in global sea levels, with some regions experiencing rises of up to six meters.
A tropical, freshwater turtle fossil discovered in Arctic Canada supports the idea of animals migrating from Asia to North America across a freshwater sea floating on top of the warm, salty Arctic Ocean. The find suggests a rapid influx of carbon dioxide led to a super-greenhouse effect creating extraordinary polar heat.