Ocean Life News in Brief: March-15-2016
Deep Ocean Swirls and Butterfly Effect Ocean Turbulence by MIT
MIT Oceanographer Raffaele Ferrari presented a new study on deep ocean swirls at the Ocean-Sciences meeting of the American Geophysical Union in New Orleans. Nature Magazine reported on February 26 that the study reveals that deep-swirls have a “butterfly effect” on the ocean. The turbulence was studied under a 180 degree focus.
NOAA, NASA and Maryland University Link Ozone Levels to Fires in Pacific Ocean
NASA Global Climate Change reported on February 27 that tropical fires have elevated ozone levels in the Western Pacific Ocean. Ozone anomalies had been documented in the past but researchers now have scientific evidence that fires affect the ozone levels in the basin. Elements such as as hydrogen cyanide and acetonitrile have been linked by the study. Daniel Anderson, lead author and graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park spoke about the results of the study funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA and NASA. The results were published in the Journal Nature Communications.
NASA 360 Talks Ocean Fueled Biomimetic Rover for Europa Exploration
On February 28 a new video for biomimetic technology for the exploration of the Ocean of the Moon Europa was released. The concept was inspired as a “Soft Tissue Robotic” and undersea "rover" which could be used for exploring Europa's under ice ocean. The rover could use ocean elements as fuel.
7.8 Earthquake in Indonesia Coast Triggers Tsunami Warnings Across Region
The US Geological Survey reported on March 2 that a massive 7.8 earthquake hit the west coast of the Indonesian Island of Sumatra. While no immediate deaths, injuries nor damages were reported the earthquake triggered Tsunami Warnings across Indonesia.
IMOCA Ocean Masters on Transat New York Vendee Countdown
IMOCA reported that the countdown for the Transat New York Vendee is on its way with 17 solo sailors from 7 different countries geared up and ready to go. “This first ever edition of the Transat New York -Vendée, a real warm-up for the Vendée Globe has caught the skippers’ inspiration,” IMOCA reported. The regatta start day is set for May 29.
Short but Powerful Cyclone Yalo Attracts Attention of Terra and Joint Typhoon Warning Center
NASA's Terra Satellite tracked and gathered data of Tropical Cyclone Yalo. On February 26 NASA communicated that the satellite captured an image of the young storm which “showed that strong wind shear was already tearing the storm apart”. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued final bulletin on Yalo on the same day.
Humanitarian Crisis in Africa, Latin America and Asia on El Niño Shoulders
Living on Earth released an interview with Nahuel Arenas of Oxfam which addressed the Humanitarian Crisis unfolding in Asia, Latin America and Africa triggered by El Niño. Hunger Emergency affecting directly over 60 million people has been declared and installed.
New Study Discovers New “Feeding Call” in Deep Ocean Waters
Mother Nature Network reported on February 25 on a new study which discovered a “mysterious humming sound” in the depths of the ocean. “New research finds there is a distinct sound coming from a massive community of fish, shrimp, jellies and squid as they travel up and down from the depths of the ocean to the water’s surface to feed,” the media reported. The study which took to up to 1 thousand meters in depths signals to the sound as acting as a “feeding bell” for oceanic communities. Simone Baumann-Pickering -assistant research biologist at the University of California, in San Diego spoke about the findings.
Stanford University Researchers Conduct Ocean Environment Acidification Testings
Huffington Post reported on February 25 on a new research on ocean acidification impacts on coral reefs. A group of scientists led by Drs. Rebecca Albright and Ken Caldeira from the Stanford University's Carnegie Institution for Science studied ocean acidification in its natural environment conducting real ocean environment tests and avoiding aquarium testings. The group revealed higher calcification rate in corals exposed to ocean conditions that existed 100 years ago. The work was published in Nature.
“Maldives in Political Threatening Turmoil,” Wall Street Journal Reports
The Wall Street Journal reported on February 29 that the islands of Maldives are “threatened by political turmoil”. The islands and basin are hotspots for a rich marine environmental system and attracts tourism, scientists, oceanographers, divers and ocean sports enthusiasts. Wall Street Journal assures that “a court imprisoned the country’s only democratically elected President last year” and that the “Parliament impeached two Vice-Presidents in six months”.
MIT Says Surface-Gravity Waves Acoustic Study Could Aid Tsunami Sector
MIT News reported on March 1 on a new theory which could aid the sector of aid tsunami detection. Researchers of MIT focused on sound waves triggered by surface waves. ”Acoustic-gravity waves are very long sound waves that cut through the deep ocean at the speed of sound. These lightning-quick currents can sweep up water, nutrients, salts, and any other particles in their wake, at any water depth. They are typically triggered by violent events in the ocean, including underwater earthquakes, explosions, landslides, and even meteorites, and they carry information about these events around the world in a matter of minutes,” MIT News reported.
John John Florence Wins 2015 Quiksilver Eddie Aikau
On February 25 Surfing Magazine reported that John John Florence won the 2015 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave at Waimea Bay. The surf event influenced by El Niño brought forward what Surfing Magazine described as “massive and beautiful” wave series.
United Nations Pledges to Eradicate Poverty and Hunger by 2030
On February 24 the UN Development Programme UNDP celebrated its 50th anniversary with a pledge to help eliminating extreme poverty and hunger by 2030. Oceans, oceanic programs, fisheries and aquaculture programs are poised to play a vital role in the efforts to reach the goals for 2030.
NOAA Study Says Catch Shares Could Increase Fishing Practice Security
On February 24 NOAA communicated on the findings of new study which revealed the “catch shares” reduce fishing risks. “Rush-to-fish makes fishing one of the most dangerous lines of work. Traditional fishing rules promote risky behavior by allowing vessels to catch as much as possible in a limited season, no matter the weather or sea conditions,” NOAA stated.
Youth America’s Cup Calls for Entries for Red Bull Second Edition
On March 2 Youth America's Cup called for entries for the Second Edition of the Red Bull Youth America's Cup.
