Articles tagged with Seawater
Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.
A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a process where light can directly cause evaporation without heat, exceeding the thermal limit. This phenomenon could explain natural phenomena like fog and clouds, and enable new approaches to desalination.
A Cornell University-led team used an underwater robot to explore the ocean conditions beneath an Antarctic ice shelf, discovering a new circulation pattern involving a jet funneling water sideways through crevasses. The findings improve modeling of ice shelf melting and freezing rates, which can impact global sea-level rise.
Chinese researchers are exploring advanced porous nanomaterials and technologies to reduce radionuclide discharge into the environment. These materials possess high specific surface area, abundant pore structures, exceptional stability, and design flexibility, making them promising candidates for radionuclide removal.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns sea stars (COTS) exhibit high tolerance to heatwave conditions that cause coral bleaching and mortality. This finding suggests they may persist as major coral predators in reefs vulnerable to climate change, threatening coral health.
A study in the Barents Sea reveals that microplastics are being transported into the Arctic Ocean due to ocean circulation, ice melt, and increased tourism. The highest concentrations were found near sources of pollution and along the coastline.
Algae have adapted to cope with nutrient starvation by evolving a new cellular machinery that allows them to use sunlight for growth without iron. This discovery holds promises for biotechnology developments that could enhance crop productivity and support marine ecosystems.
A study reveals that variable C:N:P ratios of phytoplankton are essential for regulating dissolved oceanic nutrient ratios, while also influencing atmospheric CO2 levels on geological time scales. The findings challenge the commonly hypothesized strong link between phytoplankton and seawater nutrient ratios.
Scientists have found evidence of past oxygen loss in the world's oceans during glacial periods, indicating that current climate change may not be permanent. The discovery was made by analyzing seafloor sediments from the past 145,000 years, which showed a build-up of cobalt during the last ice age.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
A new solar-powered desalination system can produce drinking water at a lower cost and rate than traditional tap water. The system, developed by MIT engineers and their Chinese collaborators, uses natural sunlight to evaporate seawater, leaving salt behind, and has a higher production rate and rejection rate than previous designs.
Researchers detected nine types of polymers and one type of rubber in cloud water, confirming microplastics play a key role in rapid cloud formation. The presence of hydrophilic polymers in the atmosphere could lead to significant changes in ecological balance and severe loss of biodiversity.
Researchers aim to access ocean waters hidden beneath ice shelves, where critical information about climate change is stored. An intelligent mothership and coordinated marine robots will communicate data from under-ice cavities, optimizing sampling and configuration.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
Researchers designed a nanofluidic device to harness energy from seawater-freshwater boundaries, where ions naturally flow due to salinity differences. The device converts ionic flow into usable electric power through Coulomb drag, with surprising behaviors and amplification effects discovered in simulations.
Researchers at the University of Bath have created a novel technique that removes salt from seawater without high pressure or substantial electrical power. The process uses a small amount of electrical energy to pull chloride ions through a membrane, gradually drawing in more water molecules.
Research on sea-level rise's impact on freshwater mussels reveals that high salt concentrations can be toxic to young mussels. The study provides guidance for conservation programs addressing climate-induced sea level rise and saltwater intrusion, affecting numerous vulnerable species.
A new LSU-led project will install up to eight high-frequency radar systems along the Louisiana coastline, providing near-real-time monitoring of ocean surface currents. The system will contribute data to NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System, enhancing marine forecasts and safety in coastal waters.
A new study found that mussels can adjust their heart rate and clearance rate in response to elevated temperatures, showing they can persist and recover from marine heatwaves. This ability may help maintain normal functioning of the circulatory system and benefit other organisms in coastal ecosystems.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 72% of US-managed cetacean and pinniped stocks are highly or very highly vulnerable to climate change. The researchers used a trait-based climate vulnerability assessment framework to evaluate the impacts on marine mammals.
The Resilience Justice Project at Brandeis School of Law will examine how eight US coastal cities ensure climate adaptation plans are fair and equitable. The team aims to produce a guidebook of best practices and webinars to help cities adapt planning for all neighborhoods.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
Researchers developed novel bottom drifters to track ocean currents and improve the discovery of cold-stunned sea turtles. The new design revealed significant differences in stranding location trajectories, optimizing rescue operations and potentially saving more lives.
Researchers have found large amounts of labile dissolved carbon stored in sediment interstitial water, indicating active organic carbon remineralization. The discovery suggests that earthquakes play a key role in the trench's carbon cycle and deep biosphere metabolisms.
Researchers have identified pathways through which warm ocean water flows into ice shelf cavities for the first time. The study found broad ocean heat intruding toward the shelf, with seawater temperatures up to 1℃ higher than freezing at depths of 50-100 meters.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have designed a self-sustaining solar-driven system that evaporates seawater to recycle it into freshwater, growing crops without human involvement. The vertical floating sea farm has several advantages over other designs, including low energy consumption and high food production.
The State of the Climate report confirms record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea levels, and ocean heat content. Scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the annual review, providing a comprehensive update on Earth's climate indicators and notable weather events.
A research team led by the University of Göttingen has discovered fossil spines that indicate the existence of irregular echinoids in the deep sea for at least 104 million years. The study provides insights into the past, including a mass extinction event that caused smaller species to thrive and changes in spine morphology.
A team of international scientists found that coral reefs, marshes, and mangroves could be destroyed within the next 30 years from rising sea levels. Coastal habitats are essential for protecting coastlines, trapping carbon, and supporting millions of coastal residents.
A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.
A team of researchers has designed novel systems to capture water vapour in the air and turn it into liquid. They are inspired by nature, mimicking the efficiency of spider webs and desert beetles, to create inexpensive, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly freshwater generation systems.
A 2020 excavation at Auckland's Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant yielded an unprecedented 266 fossil species, including the world's oldest known flax snails and extinct sawshark spine. The discovery provides valuable insights into New Zealand's geological history.
Researchers have identified a new process by which sugar is released by symbiotic algae, showing the cell wall plays a crucial role in symbiosis and carbon circulation. The findings provide an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle for understanding carbon cycling in marine environments.
A new study reveals that volcanic eruptions can temporarily weaken the Pacific Walker Circulation, a major driver of global precipitation. The recent strengthening of this circulation suggests that aerosols from human activity may have an opposite effect on its behavior.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that glitter can hinder the growth of cyanobacteria, a key component of aquatic ecosystems. The toxic effects of glitter on microorganisms have not been well-studied, but the findings suggest that even low concentrations can negatively impact susceptible organisms.
Researchers develop a new model predicting up to twice the original amount of subglacial water may be draining into the ocean, accelerating glacial melt and sea level rise. The theory uses satellite measurements and is a simple equation that can predict exfiltration in a fraction of a second on a laptop.
A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.
Researchers discovered a vast array of tardigrade species in Denmark, with unique DNA sequences detected in 96 samples, highlighting their adaptability to various environments. The findings shed light on the incredible survival abilities of these tiny creatures, which can withstand extreme conditions.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.
Researchers found that occasional long-distance dispersal events between North and South Brazil allow red mangrove trees to exchange genetic material, maintaining their unique populations. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecology and carbon storage, making conservation efforts crucial.
Dr. McKay will investigate the chemical composition of chromophores in DOM using advanced analytical tools and conduct measurements at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. His research aims to enhance predictions regarding DOM behavior and reactivity in the environment.
Researchers linked chemical changes in seawater to volcanic activity and climate change, with a 7-fold decrease in lithium concentration over the past 150 million years. This shift is attributed to reduced seafloor hydrothermal activity, influenced by tectonic plate movements.
A subpolar Atlantic plankton species was found in the central Arctic Ocean during the Last Interglacial period, indicating summers were ice-free. This discovery has implications for understanding Arctic climate dynamics without sea ice.
A recent study by GEOMAR researchers found that fluctuations in the Labrador Sea can significantly influence the strength of sinking processes east of Greenland. This phenomenon affects the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial climate system that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe.
Engineers have developed a new membrane that separates chemicals from wastewater, allowing for reuse and extraction of valuable by-products. The membrane's unique properties, inspired by mussels, can separate salts and other chemical components with unprecedented efficiency.
Sea urchins struggle to 'get a grip' as climate change causes lower salinity levels, affecting their ability to attach to surfaces. The study found that low salinity conditions negatively impact righting response, movement, and adhesive ability.
Two studies by UPV/EHU researchers analyze recent and past oceanographic information off the Basque coast based on microfauna present in sediments. The research found that planktonic foraminifera assemblages are good indicators of ocean currents and water masses reaching the Basque continental shelf today.
Scientists have discovered ancient ocean water trapped in mineral deposits in the Himalayas, providing insights into Earth's past climate and oxygen levels. The deposits suggest that slow-growing cyanobacteria may have triggered a major oxygenation event around 700-500 million years ago.
The giant Olympus Mons volcano on Mars has morphological similarities with many active volcanic islands on Earth, indicating contact between liquid water and lava. A vast ocean of liquid water once occupied the Red Planet's northern lowlands, according to recent work published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
Researchers found that the annulated sea snake possesses four intact copies of the opsin gene SWS1, two with ancestral ultraviolet sensitivity and two with evolved sensitivity to longer wavelengths. This suggests that sea snakes have regained color discrimination to distinguish predators, prey, and mates in their marine habitats.
Researchers developed a novel method for underwater geolocalization using deep neural networks trained on 10 million polarization-sensitive images. The technology enables tethered-free navigation and has the potential to improve location accuracy, enabling in situ autonomous sampling robots to monitor water properties.
Researchers developed a compact and efficient single-photon Raman lidar system that can detect oil spills in the ocean. The system uses just 1μJ of pulse energy and can be operated up to 1km underwater, making it suitable for monitoring leaks in underwater oil pipelines.
Researchers from McGill University found that stronger winds shift the Labrador Current eastward, leading to sudden warmings or drops in oxygen levels. This has dire consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries, including smaller species like cod and halibut, which struggle to survive in low-oxygen conditions.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.
A new analysis reveals megalodon's ability to regulate its body temperature, with temperatures up to 13°F warmer than surrounding water. This suggests the shark was warm-blooded and had an evolutionary advantage that may have contributed to its extinction.
A new discovery of ancient stone artefacts at an underwater spring off the WA Pilbara coast has confirmed the location is a submerged archaeological site with more artefacts likely hidden beneath the sea. The findings call for protection in line with UNESCO Convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered twenty species of sea lettuce in the Baltic Sea region, including three invasive species. The survey highlights the importance of knowing which species grow in specific areas to maintain and protect valuable ecosystems.
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.