Warming oceans are getting louder
Climate change alters ocean soundscapes, affecting marine life's survival and reproduction. Warmer waters speed up sound waves, impacting essential activities like feeding, fighting, and migration.
Seawater
Articles tagged with Seawater
Salt marsh grass on Georgia’s coast gets nutrients for growth from helpful bacteria in its roots
A new study reveals that salt marsh grass in Georgia's coast relies on beneficial bacteria in its roots to access nutrients, improving plant productivity. The research provides insights into the importance of soil microorganisms in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting restoration efforts.
A mutually beneficial relationship
An international research team analyzed the microbial community living on the carapaces of deep-sea squat lobsters, finding a diverse microbiome that likely provides benefits to both organisms. The microbes utilize energy-rich chemical compounds, while the squat lobsters may use them as a source of nutrients or have them remove toxic s...
Reclamation provides $5.6 million to improve water treatment technologies
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $5.6 million in funding to 15 projects focused on improving desalination and water purification technologies. These advancements aim to expand access to otherwise unusable water resources, addressing the climate crisis and meeting Western communities' needs for a new source of water.
Rainfall strongly affects infectious Vibrio bacteria in Ala Wai Canal
A recent study found that rainfall significantly affects the abundance of Vibrio vulnificus in the Ala Wai Canal, with moderate rainfall leading to high concentrations of the bacterium. The researchers suggest that while exposure is still a risk, precautions such as washing off with soap and water can minimize the danger.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022
Unexpected fish and squid found in the Central Arctic Ocean
Scientists have discovered Atlantic cod, armhook squid, and lanternfish in the deep waters of the Central Arctic Ocean, rewriting the understanding of this ecosystem. The findings suggest that these species can survive in Arctic temperatures and contribute to the food web.
Dissolving oil in a sunlit sea
A team of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers discovered that nearly 10% of the oil floating on the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon spill was dissolved into seawater by sunlight. The process, called photo-dissolution, has significant implications for understanding the fate and potential toxicity of these compounds.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022
New species of marine plankton discovered, an overlooked source of nutrients in the oceans
Researchers have discovered two new and unusual species of diatoms that fix nitrogen, a critical process supporting productivity in nutrient-poor open ocean waters. These diatoms harbor symbiotic cyanobacteria that convert dissolved nitrogen gas into ammonia, enabling them to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
Seawater seep may be speeding glacier melt, sea level rise
A new study published in The Cryosphere finds that warm seawater intrusion under glaciers may cause much higher rates of melting at the glacier bottom. This could lead to projected ice sheet volume loss being 10-50% higher, or more than doubling over the next century.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2022
Why some stony coral species are better at surviving ocean acidification
Scientists discover that corals produce CaCO3 in compartments shielded from seawater, explaining differences in resilience to ocean acidification. Variations in crystallization rates among species contribute to varying levels of sensitivity.
Deep insights into the Arctic of tomorrow
The MOSAiC expedition provides the first complete picture of climate processes in the central Arctic, warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet. Researchers analyzed environmental parameters over a full annual cycle, finding more dynamic and faster drifting pack ice than expected.
SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalElementa Science of the Anthropocene·DateFeb 7, 2022
The abyssal world: the last terra incognita of the Earth surface
A massive DNA sequencing project has mapped the deep-sea biodiversity, revealing a vast and unknown ecosystem that plays a crucial role in ocean food-webs and carbon sequestration. The study sheds light on the connection between surface and deep-water ecosystems, with implications for understanding climate change.
SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 4, 2022
Three young Danish engineers succeed in developing a cheap, autonomous probe for studies of the sea
The probe measures salinity, temperature and pressure, making three measurements per metre before returning to the surface. The successful deployment provides valuable insights into freshwater input to the marine Arctic ecosystems and its effects on global ocean currents.
FAU scientists uncover ‘missing’ plastics deep in the ocean
A study led by Florida Atlantic University reveals a vast amount of microplastics in the entire water column of an offshore plastic accumulation zone, with small microplastics being critical and underexplored. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of these tiny plastics on marine ecosystems.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022
Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries
A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022
Fine Sediment in Open Water
This book provides a fundamental understanding of the physical, biological, and chemical processes governing fine sediment transport in open water. It covers various spatial and temporal scales, from micro-scale to system-wide, and discusses interactions between disciplines such as hydrodynamics and soft soil mechanics.
Txikispora philomaios, a parasite that will help to explain the origin of animal multicellularity
Researchers discovered a new parasite, Txikispora philomaios, which evolved shortly after the common ancestor of animals and fungi, before its multicellularity was developed. The study provides insights into how animal multicellularity developed through cell communication and specialization.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022
Study probes Earth’s turbulent past to explain where oceans came from
A recent study suggests that a chemical compound called magnesium hydrosilicate, stable at high pressures and temperatures, could have stored water deep within the Earth's mantle during its violent early days. This finding has significant implications for understanding the origin of water on Earth and potentially habitable exoplanets.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 25, 2022
Scientists warn that ocean microplastic pollution may be greater than estimated
A study by ICTA-UAB suggests that microplastic levels in the Mediterranean Sea are likely higher than previously estimated due to the limitations of current sampling methods. The researchers emphasize the need for a common framework to compare results and combine methods to better understand the distribution and impacts of microplastics.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 25, 2022
Finding the tipping point for coastal wetlands
A recent study by Duke University researchers identified a critical salinity threshold of 265 parts per million sodium for understory plants in coastal wetlands. Above this level, the marsh floor undergoes significant changes, with rushes and reeds dominating over salt-tolerant plants.
Southern Ocean storms cause outgassing of carbon dioxide
Research reveals that intense storms in the Southern Ocean increase ocean mixing, bringing carbon dioxide-rich waters to the surface and driving an outgassing of CO2 into the atmosphere. This process has significant implications for understanding global climate models and predicting future climate change.
English Channel stops new rockpool species reaching UK
The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2022
Increase in marine heat waves threatens coastal habitats
Marine heat waves in the Chesapeake Bay are projected to increase by half a year by 2100, causing devastating impacts on marine life and coastal economies. The study found a significant upward trend in frequency and intensity of marine heat waves within the Bay.
SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2022
Tiger shark migrations altered by climate change, new study finds
A new study found that climate-driven changes in ocean temperatures have shifted tiger shark movements outside of protected areas, making them more vulnerable to commercial fishing. The study's results suggest that warmer waters are now suitable for tiger sharks, allowing them to migrate farther poleward and earlier than usual.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022
Copper-based chemicals may be contributing to ozone depletion
A new study from UC Berkeley suggests that copper in soil and seawater acts as a catalyst for producing two potent halocarbon compounds that destroy ozone. The compounds, methyl bromide and methyl chloride, are major contributors to stratospheric ozone depletion and have puzzled scientists for over 20 years.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022
New bacteria in UK waters as temperatures rise
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.
Microbes produce oxygen in the dark
Researchers have discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Nitrosopumilus maritimus, can produce oxygen in the absence of sunlight, possibly deep below the ocean surface. These microbes play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and remove bioavailable nitrogen from the environment.
Predator interactions chiefly determine where Prochlorococcus thrive
New research reveals that Prochlorococcus thrive in ocean waters where a shared predator with bacteria and phytoplankton coexists, not just warm temperatures. The study suggests this relationship is crucial for the microbe's survival and population distribution.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2022
‘Forever chemicals’ latch onto sea spray to become airborne
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.
Harmful boomerang: PFAS pollution in ocean comes back to land
A study by Stockholm University researchers found that PFAS from the ocean re-emitted into air with crashing waves significantly contribute to PFAS air pollution in coastal areas. The transportation of toxic substances from seawater to marine air via sea spray aerosols poses a significant threat to health and the environment.
SourceStockholm University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
Disrupting flow of wood from rivers to oceans impacts marine environments
Researchers estimate that 4.7 million cubic meters of large wood enter oceans annually, negatively impacting coastal and marine environments. The study aims to raise awareness about the consequences of interrupting this natural process.
SourceColorado State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2021
Powerful new tool makes coral reef monitoring faster, easier, cheaper
Researchers have developed a powerful new tool that can determine the diversity of hard corals on a reef by analyzing DNA in seawater samples. This method is faster, easier, and less expensive than traditional visual identification, allowing for more accurate coral reef conservation and restoration.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
Red Sea bioregions show changing blooms
Researchers analyzed satellite data over two decades to understand how climate change impacts Red Sea marine ecosystem. Phytoplankton blooms show unique annual cycles, with four specific bioregions in the region experiencing different seasonal patterns.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021
Killer whales lingering in newly melted arctic ocean #ASA181
A study by Brynn Kimber and team reveals killer whales spending more time in the Arctic due to reduced sea ice, posing new threats to prey species. The warmer climate is altering the predators' hunting patterns, leading to increased risks for endangered bowhead whales.
Septic system waste pervasive throughout Florida’s Indian River lagoon
A study by FAU Harbor Branch reveals that even properly functioning septic systems contribute to nitrogen pollution in the Indian River Lagoon. Groundwater samples showed higher dissolved nutrient concentrations than surface waters, indicating contaminated groundwater as a major source of nutrient loading.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
Light-powered soft robots could suck up oil spills
A new floating robotic film can hoover oil spills at sea or remove contaminants from drinking water, using a pulsing motion inspired by water striders. The film is powered by light and fueled by water, making it sustainable and reusable.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
Putting the fizz into salty water
A new study from the University of Bath is shedding light on the behavior of saline solutions under extreme conditions, a crucial step towards carbon storage in deep-sea aquifers. The research uses neutron diffraction to examine the interaction between salt ions and water molecules at high pressures and temperatures.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
Food paradox answer shows how ocean life survives #ASA181
Ocean predators survive on small, scattered areas of food rather than average concentrations found in the water. Acoustic tools reveal dynamic layered maps of ocean life by interpreting echoes from sound pulses, providing insights into how animals adapt to find and exploit resources.
How far is Fukushima nuclear accident contaminated water from us?
A team from Tsinghua University developed analysis models to simulate the diffusing process of radioactive water in oceans. The pollutants are expected to cover almost the entire Pacific Ocean within 3600 days, with a contamination center moving eastward along the 35°N latitude line.
Tracking down microplastics in Antarctica
A team of scientists found microplastics in Antarctic water, with most particles linked to ship-based paint. The study suggests that shipping traffic is a key source of microplastic pollution in the Southern Ocean.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
Space dust analysis could solve mystery of the origins of Earth’s water
A team of researchers found evidence that solar wind altered the chemical composition of ancient asteroid grains, producing water molecules and providing a possible source for Earth's oceans. The discovery could help future space missions find sources of water on airless worlds.
New study offers broader understanding on plankton life in Gulf of Mexico
A groundbreaking study has documented the simultaneous position, size, and density of 36 different types of planktonic organisms in the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers found that smallest organisms formed the largest patches, with greater patchiness in shallow waters closer to shore than deeper ocean waters.
URI researchers: Different kinds of marine phytoplankton respond differently to warming ocean temperatures
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island found that different types of phytoplankton respond differently to warming ocean temperatures. The study suggests that their growth rates and distribution patterns will be dissimilar, resulting in significant implications for future marine communities.
Fishing for solutions to the plastic problem
A University of Adelaide study reveals that over 35% of fish caught off southern Australia contain microplastics, with the problem being most acute in South Australia. Simple actions like replacing plastic fishing equipment and using biodegradable bags can quickly reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.
Are scientists contaminating their own samples? New study shows we may be emitting clouds of microfibres
A new study found that over 70% of microplastics in ocean and river samples could come from scientists collecting them. The researchers used a catalogue to identify potential sources of contamination, finding that even small items like clothing and gear contributed significantly.
SourceStaffordshire University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021
Due to the warming of the Mediterranean Sea, marine species are migrating tens of meters deeper into cooler waters to survive
A new study reveals that marine species in the Mediterranean are migrating tens of meters deeper to survive warmer temperatures. The research found that cold-water species deepen significantly more than warm-water species, with an average depth increase of 55 meters across the region.
A salty treat: Extracting high-quality magnesium sulphate from seawater desalination brine
A team of Korean researchers has successfully extracted high-quality magnesium sulphate, without calcium impurities, from seawater desalination brine using a novel ethanol-based process. The process achieved up to 67% magnesium recovery efficiency and has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalDesalination·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
Humans guilty of breaking an oceanic law of nature
A new study reveals human activities have drastically altered the ocean's biodiversity, with significant losses in larger species like whales and dolphins. Biomass estimates show a 60% reduction in large fish and marine mammals, outpacing even extreme climate change scenarios.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021
Changing ocean currents are driving extreme winter weather
New research from the University of Arizona suggests that a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will intensify extreme cold weather in the US. The study found that without the AMOC, extremely cold winter weather would become more frequent and severe.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021
Reducing plastic pollution by adding RNA-inspired ‘breaking points’
Researchers developed a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA) with RNA-inspired breaking points, which can break down faster in seawater. The degradation rate of the polymer can be tailored depending on the amount of breaking points, offering a potential solution to marine pollution.
By 2500 earth could be alien to humans
Researchers warn that global warming could make the Amazon barren, the Midwest tropical, and India too hot to live in by 2500. Climate models project a future where vegetation and crop-growing areas shift towards the poles, leading to drastic changes and potential human fatalities.
SourceMcGill University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021
No apparent shortage of prey for southern resident killer whales in Canadian waters during summer
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 12, 2021
UM researchers find Greenland’s groundwater changes with thinning ice sheet
Researchers found that changes to the ice sheet immediately impact the groundwater underlying the island, affecting Arctic hydrology and ocean circulation patterns. The discovery sheds new light on the importance of groundwater in responding to climate change.
Why extinctions ran amok in ancient oceans, and why they slowed down
A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021
Scientists use nuclear physics to probe Floridan Aquifer threatened by climate change
Researchers used radiokrypton dating to study the origin and flow of freshwater and saltwater in the Floridan Aquifer. The study found that some samples contained 40,000-year-old saltwater from just before the last glacial maximum, highlighting the impact of rising sea levels on coastal aquifers.
How mercury gets into the sea
An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.
Major ocean current could warm greatly, new study reveals
A new study reconstructed the Kuroshio Current Extension's past behavior, finding it was sensitive to global climate change during the Pliocene era. The current's sensitivity to CO2 levels is a concern for its potential impact on ecosystems, weather patterns, and regional climates.
UCI, NASA JPL scientists uncover additional threat to Antarctica’s floating ice shelves
Researchers at UCI and NASA JPL found that a thinning of the ice melange, a slushy concoction of windblown snow, iceberg debris, and frozen seawater, is a major driver of ice shelf collapse. The study revealed that melange thinning can lead to rapid retreat of Antarctica's ice shelves.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021
Drone helps researchers find fresh water in the sea at Easter Island
Researchers at Binghamton University used thermal imaging drones to detect coastal seeps on Easter Island, finding areas where freshwater emerges from the sea. The technology allows for high-resolution images of these sources, enabling researchers to better understand how ancient communities used them to survive.
How climate change could impact algae in the global ocean
A new study predicts that climate change will cause a sudden shift in algae distribution pole-wards over the next 100 years, affecting marine ecosystems. The UK is among the areas most likely to be severely impacted due to its warm waters, with changes potentially occurring before previously thought.