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Whale shark fringe migration

A 16-year study reveals that the Azore islands are becoming a crucial part of the Atlantic whale shark's habitat due to rising ocean temperatures. The researchers found that increased sightings were correlated with higher water temperatures and seafloor features, such as slopes and seamounts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 16, 2014

High CO2 levels cause warming in the tropics

New research published in Nature Geoscience contradicts previous studies on tropical temperatures, suggesting they were warmer during the Pliocene epoch. This finding indicates that few places on Earth will be immune to global warming, with potential consequences for tropical storm intensity and climate impacts.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2014

Study sheds light on penguins first year far from home

In the first study of its kind, scientists tracked young king penguins exploring new habitats and eventually developing their foraging skills similarly to their parents. The study found that young penguins undertake large-scale movements at sea and use similar habitat to find food as adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 2014

Warm North Atlantic Ocean promotes extreme winters in US and Europe

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters has found that a warm North Atlantic Ocean can promote extreme winters in the US and Europe. The research suggests that natural variations in sea surface temperatures, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, can affect atmospheric circulation patterns like the North Atlanti...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 1, 2014

Is global heating hiding out in the oceans?

A new study reconstructs Pacific Ocean temperatures over the last 10,000 years and finds that middle-depth waters have warmed 15 times faster than natural fluctuations. This suggests that oceans may be storing heat from human emissions, potentially buying time before climate change accelerates.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2013

African dust storms in our air

Researchers found that African dust particles more than doubled during a major Saharan dust intrusion in Houston, Texas, raising concerns about health risks for vulnerable populations. The study provides new insights into the impact of Saharan air outbreaks on climate and human health, including potential effects on hurricane activity.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 18, 2013

Tests passed

Researchers developed an infrared camera system to automatically spot whales in the surrounding sea. The system uses a thermal sensor to detect temperature differences and software to analyze video streams for whale spouts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2013

Marine life spawns sooner as oceans warm

A three-year international study found that marine species are shifting their geographic distribution towards cooler regions due to warming oceans. This has led to changes in breeding patterns, life cycles, and potentially significant repercussions for human services dependent on these ecosystems.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 6, 2013

Cloud brightening to cool seas can protect coral reefs

Researchers propose targeted cloud brightening as a means to lower sea temperatures and reduce coral bleaching. The technique, which involves seeding marine clouds with tiny seawater droplets, could provide a 50-year reprieve for coral reefs threatened by acidification and warming.

SourceWiley·JournalAtmospheric Science Letters·DateJul 10, 2013