Research on the ocean's chemistry and ice. Covers ocean carbon capture, forever chemicals in sea spray, Antarctic change, and sea-ice clouds.
Despite declining coral, fish, seagrass, and manatees in the Florida Keys, sea urchin populations have remained relatively stable since the 1960s. These marine animals are essential for maintaining healthy environments by cleaning, ventilating, and enriching sediment.
A KAUST-led team creates selective anode catalysts for stable and efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting. The nanoreactors exhibited high electrocatalytic activity and stability due to their unique structure, isolating the electrolysis from side reactions.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the Israeli shoreline is contaminated with more than two million tons of microplastics, with Tel Aviv and Hadera beaches being the most polluted. The researchers warn that exposure to microplastic waste is unavoidable and poses a risk to human health.
A 460km-long river under the Antarctic ice sheet affects the flow and melting of ice, potentially accelerating ice loss. The discovery reveals more active water flow than previously thought, which could make it more susceptible to changes in climate.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered the importance of Frazil ice in producing dense cold water, which is a key component of global ocean circulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding the impact of global warming on this process.
New research from the University of Rochester and others finds that ocean methane hydrate reservoirs in mid-latitude regions will not be released to the atmosphere under warming conditions. This means that ancient methane is being stored safely on the seafloor, reducing concerns about climate change.
A US team, led by Louisiana State University scientist Jun-Hong Liang, is studying air-sea gas exchange in the Labrador Sea to develop accurate formulas. The research aims to improve estimations of biological production and carbon dioxide/oxygen sequestration in deep oceans.
The study found that scrubber discharge water accounts for up to 9% of certain carcinogenic and environmentally harmful substances in the Baltic Sea. This increase is partly due to a significant growth in ships equipped with scrubbers, which has tripled since the study was carried out.
Researchers found that subsurface warming in the North Atlantic precedes the release of massive icebergs from Canada and the US, leading to a reduction in surface salinity and AMOC collapse. This finding sheds light on the sequence of events responsible for the collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation system.
A new study evaluated the performance of a Seabin device in Plymouth, UK, finding it captured only 0.18kg of litter over 750 hours of operation. In contrast, manual trawls collected significantly more litter with minimal harm to marine life.
Researchers at KAUST have developed ultrathin polymer-based ordered membranes that simultaneously exhibit high water flux and high salt rejection. The membranes display excellent performance in both forward and reverse osmosis configurations, surpassing those containing advanced materials like carbon nanotubes and graphene.
Researchers have discovered that small eddies, swirling at the edges of massive ocean currents, are a key source of nutrients for phytoplankton. These nutrient-rich eddies help maintain healthy populations of phytoplankton, which are essential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between accelerating Arctic ice melt and ocean acidification, posing a dual threat to climate and marine life. The increased acidity levels in the western Arctic Ocean could lead to devastating consequences for plants, shellfish, coral reefs, and other organisms.
A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...
Researchers recreated primordial seawater containing phosphate in the lab, suggesting that seawater could be a major source of this essential element. This finding has implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth and potentially even beyond our planet.
Researchers at PNNL and UW discover a flow-based method to isolate pure magnesium salt from seawater, skipping energy-intensive purification steps. This approach could revolutionize US domestic magnesium production and enable more efficient processing of seawater.
A new field study reveals a previously unobserved fluid dynamic process that affects the ocean's deep-sea mining operations. Researchers equipped a pre-prototype collector vehicle with instruments to monitor its sediment plume disturbances, finding that the plumes remained relatively low and spread under their own weight.
The ANEMEL project aims to develop efficient electrolysers for green hydrogen production, targeting low-grade water sources. The €3 million EU funding will expedite prototype design and catalyse commercialisation of the technology.
A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.
Scientists used centuries-old clam shells to study the North Atlantic's evolution and response to external changes. The findings indicate that the system destabilized and lost resilience prior to the Little Ice Age, potentially causing it to 'tip' into a new, colder state.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen and oxygen from both seawater and freshwater using a single compound. The catalyst simplifies the engineering challenges of water splitting and reduces costs, making it an attractive option for producing clean energy.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have quantified glacier mass loss on Kamchatka Peninsula, revealing a total ice loss of 4.9 billion tons between 2000 and 2016. Rising temperatures are driving this change, which contributes to global sea level rise.
Researchers from the University of Montreal have discovered an exoplanet that could be an 'ocean planet,' completely covered by a thick layer of water. The exoplanet, TOI-1452 b, has a radius and mass similar to Earth but is believed to be rocky with a possible abundance of water.
Physicists at Ural Federal University developed a mathematical model to predict El Niño's behavior, accounting for wind, humidity, temperature, and ocean currents. They found that stronger winds can cause unpredictable weather phenomena.
Researchers found the Tonga tsunami reached 90 meters in height, outperforming previous tsunamis like 2011 Japan tsunami. The event emphasized the need for improved detection systems, as volcano-based tsunamis are currently 30 years behind earthquake-based event monitoring tools.
A new study by researchers at University of California - Riverside found that the position of continents can have a devastating effect on deep ocean creatures. Continental movement can cause a sudden collapse in global water circulation, leading to a stark separation between oxygen levels in the upper and lower depths.
A study of the variegated snailfish reveals it has the highest expression levels of antifreeze proteins ever reported, crucial for survival in sub-zero waters. Warming oceanic temperatures pose a threat to these specialized fishes as they face increased competition from temperate species.
Researchers at Iowa State University found a 900-year cooling trend in the Gulf of Maine, reversing to rapid warming since the late 1800s. The study used clam shell data and climate simulations to link the change to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.
Researchers at IISc identified a way to estimate ancient seawater temperature by analyzing otoliths from fish ears, which hold clues to water type and age. By correlating calcium isotope ratios with seawater temperatures, they found a powerful tracer of water temperature that can be applied to fossilized samples.
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
A new study found that coral spawning events at deeper depths occur at lower intensities than those in shallow waters. The researchers suggest that deep reefs may more often rely on shallow-reef corals to survive.
Researchers discovered that rapid seafloor warming can overwhelm the natural microbial filter, allowing methane from methane hydrates to reach the ocean water. This 'window of opportunity' is crucial for understanding climate change impacts.
A FAU Harbor Branch study demonstrates hydrology impacts through high-resolution simulation model. Increased freshwater discharge contributes to intensified shelf water mixing that favors surface intrusion of Loop Current waters.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that corals' fluorescence serves as a lure for plankton, which are then consumed by predators like corals. The researchers found that green-fluorescent corals were 25% more preyed upon than yellow-fluorescent ones.
A CSU researcher has obtained photographic evidence of milky seas observed from both the Earth's surface and space at the same time. The observations were made possible by a private yacht's encounter with the rare phenomenon off the coast of Java, providing new insights into its formation.
Researchers analyzed fossil corals to reveal changed ocean current circulation patterns. The data supports a scenario where the upper Pacific Ocean was more mixed during the last ice age, contributing to carbon storage and cooler climates.
Research suggests climate-driven changes in seawater density may disrupt mangrove dispersal patterns worldwide, particularly in the Indo-West Pacific region. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the importance of considering oceanic factors in understanding mangrove response to climate change.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch develop an ocean model to study connectivity between the Everglades and Florida Keys via Florida Bay. The tool aims to predict changes in responses to water management, ecological restoration and climate change.
A study from Tel Aviv University found that invasive marine species can survive in extreme conditions, including changing temperatures and salinity. The researchers' experiment demonstrated the importance of regulating trade routes to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can harm local environments and resident species.
Scientists have found that axisymmetric 'spike waves' can exceed previously thought limits on ocean wave height, leading to significant implications for maritime safety. The new research revealed the fundamental mechanisms behind highly directional and crossing waves becoming much larger than others.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that clouds likely prevented oceans from being completely covered by ice, allowing life to survive. The research used global climate models and an idealized energy balance model to investigate Cryogenian climatic conditions, revealing the importance of clouds in predicting climate changes.
Researchers at Purdue University found that the presence of salt in seawater can impact a planet's habitability, with saltier oceans tending to result in warmer climates. This discovery may allow life beyond our solar system to exist further from its host star than previously thought.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.
New research suggests that 62% of warming in the subtropical North Atlantic is stored in the deep ocean below 700m. The study estimates a further 0.2°C warming in the next 50 years due to climate change.
A new study found that extreme weather events can mobilize hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of sand into beach systems, potentially offsetting shoreline retreat caused by sea level rise. Researchers used high-resolution measurements and specialized equipment to track sand movement before and after storms.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a fast and efficient method for purifying saltwater using fluorine-based nanostructures. The new technology outperforms existing desalination methods, requiring less pressure, energy, and time to produce clean water.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
Researchers estimate that by 2040, up to 80 million metric tons of plastic will be annually released into the ocean. The study reveals that wind transport contributes significantly to plastic particle distribution in remote regions. Integrating microplastic into air pollution measurements is crucial for better understanding its effects.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
The Mekong delta, Southeast Asia's most productive agricultural region and home to 17 million people, is at risk of disappearing by the end of the century due to subsidence. Sediment loss from upstream dams and poor water management exacerbates the issue, threatening food security and livelihoods.
A new Stanford University study reveals that sunscreens containing oxybenzone can damage coral reefs, hastening their demise. The researchers found that oxybenzone forms damaging radicals when exposed to sunlight and can also disrupt coral defense mechanisms.
Researchers discovered zones of bubbling methane flux in Laptev and East Siberian Seas, contributing to climate warming in the Arctic. The study suggests that thawing permafrost and warming waters are releasing methane from hydrates into the atmosphere.
A study published in Cell Reports Physical Sciences has measured the physical limits for liquid water in icy extraterrestrial worlds. The results show that cold, salty liquids can remain liquid at much cooler temperatures than previously thought, extending the range of possible habitats on icy moons.
Researchers found that global warming is accelerating the water cycle, leading to increased storm intensity and ice melting at the poles. Satellite data revealed a significant increase in surface salinity, indicating a stronger interaction between the atmosphere and ocean.
Researchers developed a portable desalination unit weighing less than 10kg that removes particles and salts to generate clean drinking water. The device uses ion concentration polarization and electrodialysis processes, requiring minimal energy and maintenance.
Researchers develop new procedure to study microorganisms in shallow-water hydrothermal systems, using incubators on the sea floor to study dynamic communities. They reveal key roles in carbon fixation and adaptation under changing conditions.
Researcher Douglas Kurtze's study reveals that gravitational pull can cause local sea level drops near melting ice sheets, contrary to global-mean sea level rises. The phenomenon occurs due to the weakening of gravity as the ice mass decreases.
A new study reveals that bacteria in the ocean swim through their environment while hunting for specific chemical cues, governing processes that control climate and marine food web health. The research demonstrates the importance of microbial behavior in shaping the ocean's microbiome.