Ocean Life News in Brief: January-15-2015

Iceberg Size of Valencia Navigating South Atlantic Ocean 

NASA reported massive iceberg spanning 165 square kilometers roaming the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean 240 kilometers from South Georgia. Scientists have not been able to identify the origin and source point of detachment of the body of ice. 

10 Years on Thousands Commemorate Victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami 

Thousands of residents participated in a commemoration and prayer in Indonesia in memory of the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami which caused over 230 thousand deaths one decade ago. 

Team of Oregon US University Concludes Carbonate Deficiency Prevents Shell Formation

New reports assure that the Mussels and Oysters being impacted by acid alterations of waters of the ocean caused by climate change. A team of the University of Oregon US published findings on the issue in Nature Climate Change. The investigation concluded that low levels of carbonate in waters prevent species to form initial shells. Marine species utilize carbonate for shell and exoskeleton formation among other uses.

Norway University Says Methane Escaping Arctic

The Center of Gas Hydrates, Climate and Environment of the Arctic CAGE of the University of the Arctic of Norway communicated that methane gas is escaping the marine permafrost of the Russian Arctic Ocean. Ice and permafrost retreat, climate change and greenhouse gases are at the core of the issue. 

NASA Says Arctic Solar Radiation is in Feedback Cycles with Ice Retreat

NASA satellite instruments have observed a marked increase in the solar radiation absorbed in the Arctic since 2000. The tendency is aligned with the constant decrease of marine icea of the basin for the same period. 

UK University Discovers New Fish Species Five Miles Under Ocean Surface

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom think they may have discovered a whole new species of fish 5 miles beneath the ocean surface.

NOAA Releases Survey and Views of Alaskan Residents on Climate Change

Researchers of the University of Alaska Fairbanks of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA released a new study which assures that Alaskan residents -while informed on ocean acidification and worried about it are “hazy” on the progress made. 311 Alaska state residents were surveyed by NOAA. Conclusions of the report were published in the Journal Marine Policy. The report contains information on the views of Alaskan residents on issues which are affecting ocean environments. 

Volvo Ocean Race Teams on the Spotlight

International press cover the Volvo Ocean Race as the regatta intensifies with teams taking lead, running into challenges and facing the extreme conditions set for those aiming to circumnavigate the World Oceans.

“Inner Mantle Ocean Connected to Surface Waters,” Ohio University US Says

A new study of researchers of the State University of Ohio US assures that the Earth Mantle could home as much water as the Pacific Ocean. The University argues that the water reserves within the mantle could be feeding and connected to surface ocean waters through tectonic plate and volcanic activity. 

SPACEX Breaking Space Exploration with “Spacecraft Rockets” Atlantic Platform Strategy

Company SPACEX -leading international space exploration sector announced new ambitious programs. The company known for its reusable rocket designs is now working not only in space airborne tactics but assures it will land its rocket in a Atlantic Ocean platform. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the strategy is not only to break the standing trend in which rockets sink to the depths of the ocean but open new doors as rockets become more like “spacecrafts”. 

Shoe City Pro to Kick Off WSL in 2015 

The 2015 World Surf League (WSL) Shoe City Pro is set to run from January 5 through January 9th on the Southside of the historic Huntington Beach pier. The WQS1000 rated event will be the first ever event to take place under the new WSL name. 

Russian Divers Record Break Sea Plunge into Antarctic Volcano 

A team of Russian divers from the expedition 'Antarctica 100' have jumped 97 meters deep into the crater of an active Antarctic volcano. The expedition departed on a sailing boat from the Argentine port Ushuaia to the Southern Shetland Islands in early December, with the aim of devising methods of safe diving in cold waters and testing new experimental equipment for diving.

Organization Sea Turtles Calls for 2015 Volunteers Destination Cocos Island 

Sea Turtles organization made an international call for volunteers to join the Cocos Island Turtle & Shark Tagging Expedition. The expedition will play out throughout the entire year rotating its volunteers. Volunteers will be able to work with specialists in an environment which is every day becoming more relevant due to its connection to international ocean dynamics and global marine ecology.