Changes in the Arctic Ocean are so profound that the region is entering what amounts to “a new era”, according to Norwegian scientists. A switch from a permanent cover of thick ice to a new state where thinner ice vanishes… Read More ›
Condition of Oceans
Scientists Stumble Upon Atlantic Dead Zones
The Atlantic Ocean is teeming with life, but for the first time researchers have discovered dead zones in these waters — areas low in both oxygen and salinity — off the coast of Africa. Fish can’t survive in the dead… Read More ›
Warmer Ocean Waters Possible Cause of Sea Lion Crisis on West Coast
Since 2015, over 1,200 California sea lions have been calling rehabilitation centers home across the state. In Sausalito’s Marine Mammal Center, more than 400 sea lions have been admitted, with others in the hospital recuperating. Experts are of the belief… Read More ›
Gulf Stream Weakening Could Impact Weather and Marine Ecosystems
Editor’s Note: Neptune 911 has included several videos that include animations of the Atlantic overturning system and scientific workshops. The Atlantic overturning is one of Earth’s most important heat transport systems, pumping warm water northwards and cold water southwards. Also… Read More ›
Supercomputer Shows How Ocean Captures Carbon
The ocean sink for carbon won’t be able to keep up with what humans and nature are emitting. “Carbon emissions from fossil-fuel burning is far greater than capacity of oceans to take it up. We are sort of doubling the carbon in the atmosphere on a time scale of 100 years,” he said. “The carbon uptake into the ocean is on the scale of 1,000 years or 10,000 years.”
Contact Staci Matlock at 986-3055 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com. Follow her on Twitter @StaciMatlock.
Microplastics Swarm Oregon Beach
ASTORIA, Ore. — Marine debris researcher Mark Ward is leading a charge to clean up a tidal inlet near the mouth of the Columbia River. The inlet is littered with millions of tiny pieces of plastic called micro-plastics. Ward has… Read More ›
Researchers Debate Upwelling Variance by Climate Change
CORVALLIS, Ore. – A report to be published Thursday in the journal Nature suggests that global warming may increase upwelling in several ocean current systems around the world by the end of this century, especially at high latitudes, and will… Read More ›
Shellfish Production Vulnerable to Acidification
(Reuters) – U.S. shellfish producers in the Northeast and the Gulf of Mexico will be most vulnerable to an acidification of the oceans linked to climate change that makes it harder for clams and oysters to build shells, a study… Read More ›
Warmer Ocean Linked to Sea Lion Pup Stranding
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 18 (Reuters) – The strandings of a record number of sea lion pups along the California coast this year are linked to a puzzling weather pattern that has warmed their Pacific Ocean habitat and likely impacted fish… Read More ›
Jellyfish Invasions Impact Industry
Nikkei Asian Review SHIGEHISA FURUYA, Nikkei staff writer TOKYO — Seas around the world are turning into jellyfish soup, as swarms of the creatures hit coastal areas, paralyzing power plants and undermining fisheries. These massive outbreaks are being caused by… Read More ›