Research on the ocean's chemistry and ice. Covers ocean carbon capture, forever chemicals in sea spray, Antarctic change, and sea-ice clouds.
A new climate model predicts that the Southern Ocean's absorption of heat and carbon dioxide will slow the rate of global warming. The ocean's ability to sequester heat and carbon dioxide could lead to sea level rise, but also change the chemistry of the water, making it less habitable for some marine organisms.
Scientists explore factors that pulled Earth out of its 'Snowball Earth' state and study seismic wave speed in the lower mantle. Researchers also investigate water vapor in Saturn's upper atmosphere using Cassini radio occultation data.
Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from four regions, identifying over 91% new DNA sequences not present in existing databases. The study found that regional differences in geography and environment select for distinct viral communities.
Dr. Mara Diaz, a University of Miami Rosenstiel School researcher, is working on a project to develop a rapid detection tool for harmful algal blooms. The goal is to enable early warning systems and improve public health and regional economies affected by these toxic blooms.
A German-French research team found specialised microorganisms thriving in the ice-cold Arctic deep-sea, which feed on methane and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study showed that high flow velocities of mud volcano water reduce the efficiency of natural gas filters by 60%.
NASA's Aqua and Jason satellites have observed a general warming of ocean temperatures and a rise in sea surface heights in the central and eastern Pacific along the equator, indicating El Niño development. The current El Niño signal is far less dramatic than that seen during the start of the last major El Niño episode in 1997-1998.
Researchers discovered that a dissolved form of manganese can keep toxic hydrogen sulfide zones in check by reacting with oxygen and hydrogen sulfide. This finding alters the understanding of manganese aqueous geochemistry and has implications for waterways like the Black Sea and Chesapeake Bay.
Scientists have documented unprecedented warmth in the Arctic Ocean, with recent surges of warm water from the North Atlantic Ocean continuing to pulse into the region. This increase in warm water could lead to a warmer state in the Arctic Ocean, affecting global climate patterns.
The invasive Didemnum species continues to thrive on Georges Bank, with colonies found in two areas where they were also detected in previous years. Scientists are concerned about the impact on local fisheries and shellfish aquaculture industries.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.
A new study suggests that oceanic cold seep mollusks have an older evolutionary history than the marine mollusk community as a whole. Cold seeps may have protected these unique animals from mass extinctions and low oxygen levels, allowing them to thrive in challenging environments.
A sensor package is installed on Cape Cod ferry Katama to measure water temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, and take images of plankton. The project aims to build a detailed portrait of changing water conditions in Nantucket Sound over long time scales.
Scientists found that massive erosion of the Alps was triggered by a sudden drop in Mediterranean Sea levels and prolonged warmer climate. The event, known as the Messinian salinity crisis, carved deep valleys and left behind lakes, reducing the mountain range's size over millions of years.
Researchers studied ancient Arctic water cycles during a period of rapid, extreme global warming 55 million years ago. The study found that increased precipitation led to lower ocean salinity and drastically lower oxygen levels in the Arctic Ocean, similar to predicted effects of greenhouse gases.
Scientists have discovered evidence of man's environmental impact at an underwater volcano, revealing lead pollution originating from Australia that traveled thousands of miles to the Mediterranean. The study highlights the growing power of using high-precision isotopic measurements as a tracing tool.
A Johns Hopkins University researcher found that corals can switch from using aragonite to calcite minerals in building their skeletons based on the magnesium-to-calcium ratio of seawater. This change poses questions about coral reefs' future survival amid global warming and ocean acidification.
Scientists propose using GPS to aid in ocean-wide tsunami warning systems by detecting early seismic wave data. Researchers also explore unsolved problems in the lowermost mantle, including the origin of the D
A new study reveals that the Southern Ocean plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide, with waters below 60 degrees south latitude soaking up carbon dioxide from the air. The research suggests that future research on carbon sequestration should focus on the Antarctic region.
Antarctic fish use the exocrine pancreas and stomach to produce antifreeze glycoproteins, contradicting earlier assumptions about liver production. The discovery sheds new light on teleost freeze-avoidance physiology.
Researchers found that mussel body temperatures vary with local climate conditions, even when air and water temperatures are the same. This means that protected areas for conservation may need to be tailored to specific locations.
Scientists from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program have recovered sediments that indicate prevailing ice conditions during the last 14-16 million years. The study also found evidence of ice in the Arctic Ocean dating back 45 million years, while temperatures rose to subtropical levels 55 million years ago.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight climate change impacts on Mars, with data from orbiting spacecraft and rovers revealing a hemispheric dichotomy. In the Arctic, sea ice reduction is linked to inflows from the Pacific Ocean, while the Indian Ocean experiences decadal variability in its circulation. Scientists st...
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified seawater in volcanic gas samples from the Earth's mantle, supporting the theory that seawater is subducted deep into the Earth. The study reveals that up to 10% of the Earth's oceans have been absorbed into the planet since its formation.
Climate scientist Michael Schlesinger warns of catastrophic consequences of inaction on global warming, citing the shutdown of Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The professor's book emphasizes human-induced climate change and its devastating impact on sea levels and coastal cities.
A team of researchers found that the 2004 tsunami contaminated coastal drinking water sources in Sri Lanka by pouring seawater into open dug wells. The study also showed that efforts to restore wells were sometimes counterproductive, causing more contamination.
Researchers discovered that some coral species can replenish energy reserves by increasing feeding rates, allowing them to recover from bleaching events. However, even resilient species face a significant threat as global warming projections suggest up to 60% of the world's coral reefs could be lost within 10-30 years.
Nine lone walrus calves were reported swimming far from shore, unable to forage and likely to drown or starve. The researchers suggest that increased polar warming may lead to a significant population decline of the walrus species due to their inability to adapt to caring for their young in shallow waters without sea ice.
A FSU study suggests that Jesus could have walked on ice in the Sea of Galilee due to a rare combination of optimal water and atmospheric conditions. The researchers calculated the odds of such an event occurring as roughly once in 1,000 years.
Researchers studying cod movements find that temperature changes may not limit adult cod migration patterns. The CODYSSEY project has tagged over 2500 cod, with 17% returning, shedding light on environmental factors affecting cod populations.
Cold-water corals are vulnerable to ocean acidification, which can harm their ability to build skeletons. By 2100, only 30% of cold-water reefs may still be in waters supersaturated with aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.
Research papers predict increased solar flares and storms due to enhanced solar radiation. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is expected to strengthen with climate change induced by increasing greenhouse gases. Deep atmospheric convection enhances natural greenhouse gas feedbacks, leading to an amplified positive water vapor effect.
According to a NASA scientist, warmer water temperatures are increasing melting and accelerating ice flow in polar areas. The warming is primarily limited to the upper 1000 meters of the oceans, but has a deeper effect on the North Atlantic waters, where it has increased the melting of sea ice.
Researchers have developed a method to detect super-salty, submerged eddies called Meddies using sensor data from U.S. and European satellites. These warm, deep-water whirlpools play a significant role in carrying salty water from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic, affecting global ocean circulation and climate change.
A new model of Titan's evolution, developed by the University of Nantes and University of Arizona, proposes that methane-rich ice stores the moon's atmospheric methane supply. The study validates data from ESA's Huygens probe, showing that methane outgassing occurs through cryovolcanic eruptions, producing temporary flows on the surface.
The world's first marine mining companies are assessing the economic potential of undersea deposits of polymetallic sulphides. Deep-sea robotics and technology are being developed to extract ore from watery depths, with potential benefits including reduced environmental impact compared to terrestrial mining.
Research by Kline at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that high levels of sugar in seawater can kill corals by encouraging bacterial growth. This discovery underscores the need to consider the impact of carbon compounds on coral reefs when developing conservation efforts.
Researchers are using electronic tags on marine animals to collect data on oceanographic conditions, such as water temperature and salinity. This data is being used to improve ocean circulation models and gain insights into the lives of California sea lions and other apex predators.
Scientists discovered that Antarctic krill 'parachute' several times during the night, injecting more carbon into the deep sea than previously understood. Krill feed on phytoplankton at night and excrete waste at depth, making them a key player in removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Researchers propose using over 8,000 barges to pump saltwater onto ice sheets in the North Atlantic, creating a thicker sea ice layer that could help strengthen the down-welling current. This method aims to reduce the impact of global warming on northern Europe's climate.
ICWater is a computer-based tool that integrates multiple information sources and data from incident commanders to help predict contaminant reach times for drinking water intakes. The tool is currently used by water utilities and response teams in the US, with an operational version set to be deployed nationally by summer 2006.
Scientists have found evidence of an abrupt ocean circulation reversal in the deep ocean, which they believe was triggered by global warming. This phenomenon, known as overturning, is critical for regulating global climate conditions and could have lasting effects on deep ocean circulation.
Scientists used ancient sea creature shells to uncover a monumental reversal in deep-ocean circulation patterns around the world. The shift was triggered by global warming and led to drastic climatological and biological changes.
The glacier has reached the midpoint of its projected retreat, with a shrinking length of 9 miles since 1980. The glacier's rapid retreat is attributed to complex physical processes and warming trends, resulting in an annual discharge of nearly 2 cubic miles of ice into the Prince William Sound.
A study by Michael Schlesinger predicts a high likelihood of thermohaline circulation collapse due to global warming. The shutdown would have devastating effects on the climate, including warmer temperatures in the southern hemisphere and colder temperatures in the northern hemisphere.
A new study finds that sea otters played a key role in driving up the size of abalones in California's coastal kelp forests. The researchers speculate that by preying on sea urchins and smaller snails, otters allowed abalones to thrive and grow huge on abundant kelp.
Researchers found that alum and polyacrylamide were highly effective in removing dissolved phosphorus and suspended sediment in river waters entering the lake. This treatment could help meet California's growing population needs, support commercial growth, and develop the region as a water-sports recreational area.
The $400,000 award will fund a starshade-shaped 'New Worlds Observer' that blocks parent star light and captures planet images. Scientists can map planetary systems, detect biomarkers and study features like oceans and continents.
Researchers discovered two types of fluids at depths of up to 180 kilometers, with one being a liquid rich in water and the other a thick hydrous melt containing dissolved matter. This study sheds light on the role of hidden fluids in shaping precipitation and volcanic eruptions.
Researchers found that Agulhas eddies, which transport seawater from the Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic Ocean, are large warm rings of water with a diameter of about 300 kilometres. These eddies import considerable quantities of heat into the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to climate change and global warming.
The North Sea efficiently absorbs 8.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually through both physical and photosynthetic processes. This represents 20% of the world's total CO2 uptake, highlighting coastal seas as more efficient absorbers than open oceans.
Researchers found sea surface height to be a reliable indicator of long-term climate cycles like El Niño. A hydrophone-based system could potentially detect tsunamis by analyzing pressure fluctuations. However, the lack of comprehensive glacier inventories limits understanding of sea level rise connections.
Scientists have used satellite technology to track salmon sharks migrating from the glacial waters of Alaska to the warm seas off Hawaii. The study found that these top predators can survive in a broad range of thermal conditions due to specialized proteins in their heart muscle cells.
Researchers from NSF deployed instruments to measure water temperature and currents in the Gulf of Mexico. The results suggest that deep, warm eddies in the Loop Current play a crucial role in intensifying hurricanes. This study provides new insights into hurricane intensity changes during landfall.
Researchers discovered that sponges are the most important inhabitants of underwater caves on coral reefs, filling over 60% of cavities. They filter massive quantities of planktonic particles, facilitating growth and conversion of organic to inorganic nutrients.
Scientists used satellite imagery to estimate that at least 23% of the Mississippi River's freshwater discharge traveled into the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida Keys, and into the Atlantic Ocean. The study combined MODIS data with ship observations to track the dark water plume's journey, reaching as far as the Georgia coast.
A study by Georgia Tech researchers found the number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes worldwide has nearly doubled over 35 years, despite a decrease in total hurricanes. Global sea surface temperatures have increased, driving this shift.
A rapid assessment survey found a type of sea squirt, Didemnum sp., in Cobscook Bay that can damage ocean floor habitats and commercial species. The bay is an important source of seafood, but further research and monitoring are needed to determine the extent of the threat.
Scientists at MIT and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found a lag in freshwater and saltwater inflows and outflows related to seasonal water table changes. Seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers may occur several months after precipitation, affecting nutrient and contaminant transport.
Scientists discovered a consistent relationship between lightning strikes and ice content in clouds, supporting previous physics assumptions. In contrast, dense solar winds sometimes weaken auroral electrojets by compressing the magnetosphere.
Researchers tracked basking sharks using pop-up tags to study their diving behaviour. They found that sharks in shallow waters exhibit reversed behaviour compared to deep water, indicating a response to changes in zooplankton vertical migration.