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Climate indices and precipitation anomalies - implications for the Middle East

A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia

Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateDec 27, 2023

Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat

A recent study by University of Queensland scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg warns that record-breaking marine heatwaves will cause catastrophic mass coral bleaching worldwide. The research suggests that current marine heatwaves will likely lead to a global mass coral bleaching event over the next 12-24 months.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Seismology records growing rumble of climate change

A new study by Colorado State University reveals that seismic signals show a growing intensity in ocean waves since the late 20th century, attributed to global warming. The research indicates that storms are becoming more intense and wave energy is increasing globally, posing a serious threat to coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

2023 expected to be hottest year ever: Study

Global temperatures are projected to reach unprecedented highs in 2023 due to factors such as El Niño and widespread wildfires. The China Global Merged Surface Temperature dataset 2.0 reveals that the year is expected to be the hottest on record, with global mean sea surface temperatures and land air temperatures reaching all-time highs.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 19, 2023

Winter storms over Labrador Sea influence Gulf Stream system

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.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2023

Gloomy climate calculation: Scientists predict a collapse of the Atlantic ocean current to happen mid-century

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen predict the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will collapse between 2025 and 2095, with major consequences for Earth's climate. The study contradicts the latest IPCC report and highlights the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2023

Warmer ocean temperatures increase risk of salmon bycatch in Pacific hake fishery

Research found that warmer ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves lead to increased overlap between Chinook salmon and Pacific hake, raising the risk of salmon bycatch. The study used 20 years of data and modeled behavioral changes to show how salmon move lower into the water column during higher temperatures.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFish and Fisheries·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

Navigating the future of underwater geolocalization: how polarization patterns enable new technology

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.

Previously overlooked algae toxin widespread in southern Indian River Lagoon

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

UMD criminologist, Ph.D. alumnus find link between rising sea surface temps and piracy

A new study by UMD criminologist Gary LaFree and former graduate student Bo Jiang found a link between rising sea surface temps and piracy. Rising temps caused an increase in piracy attacks in East Africa, while decreasing temps led to decreases in piracy attacks in the South China Sea due to changes in fish production.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalWeather Climate and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

North or south? How the position of sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Pacific can influence the stratospheric polar vortex in the Arctic

A study found that a northward position of North Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies weakens the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex. This weakening can lead to Eurasian cooling and negative surface temperature anomalies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 24, 2023

Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023

Antarctic ice: a better knowledge of the ocean improves the predictability of sea ice variability

Researchers found that using coupled atmosphere-ocean-sea ice circulation models with observation-based datasets, they can predict Antarctic sea ice variability over decadal time scales. The initialization of subsurface ocean temperature and salinity fields significantly improves prediction skills, especially in the west Antarctic region.

Salt more important than cold polar temperatures in sea ice formation

A new study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that the salinity of surface water is crucial for sea ice formation at low temperatures. The study finds that warm water is prevented from rising to the surface due to its lower salinity, creating a 'lid' that allows cold polar temperatures to freeze continuously moving warmer water.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Subtropical clouds key to southern ocean teleconnections to the tropical pacific

A research team at UNIST has identified subtropical low cloud feedback as a key mechanism driving teleconnections between the Southern Ocean and tropical precipitation. Their findings suggest that this impact is stronger than previously thought, with implications for mid-latitude climate predictions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2022

Deeper understanding of the icy depths

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

A new comprehensive assessment of ocean warming highlights future climate risks

A comprehensive review of ocean warming reveals that global ocean heat content has increased by over 90% since the 1950s. The study predicts that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, ocean warming will continue to accelerate, leading to more intense storms, droughts, and sea-level rise.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateOct 18, 2022

Scientists discover mechanism that can cause collapse of great Atlantic circulation system

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.

Climate risks for Gulf of Mexico coral reefs spelled out in study

New research simulates climate warming and ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, finding that high emissions could lead to critically warm temperatures as early as 2050. Reducing emissions may delay this onset, giving coral conservation programs more time to adapt.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

Study suggests La Niña winters could keep on coming

A new study suggests that climate change is favoring La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that temperature patterns at the ocean's surface have changed, with the Pacific off South America cooling and the western Pacific warming more than elsewhere. This has led to a strengthened temperature difference between the ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

Study links cold water shock to catastrophic coral collapse in the Eastern Pacific

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...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Mass mortality events linked to marine heatwaves could become the new norm in the Mediterranean Sea

A study led by ICM-CSIC finds that mass mortality events caused by marine heatwaves affected all Mediterranean regions between 2015 and 2019, resulting in recurrent mass mortalities throughout the period. The research highlights the significant positive relationship between the duration of heat waves and the incidence of mortality events.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022