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20 July 2016
Predicting the export and fate of global ocean net primary production: The EXPORTS
Earth’s carbon cycle is heavily influenced by ecological processes in the ocean. The quantification and understanding of the intricate relationships between carbon dioxide and ocean ecosystems, EXPORTS and what effects these have on the present and future conditions on Earth, is one of the greatest challenges in oceanography. One of the most important aspects that preclude the full understanding of the ocean carbon cycle is the lack of parallel measurements at a global scale; this also hinders our ability to make robust predictions in an uncertain future. The EXport Processes in the Ocean from RemoTe Sensing (EXPORTS) Science Plan was proposed to NASA in order address this knowledge gap. It aims at developing a predictive understanding of the export and fate of global ocean net primary production (NPP) and its implications to the ocean carbon cycle for present and future climates. The goal of this project is to quantify of the mechanisms that control the export of carbon from the euphotic zone as well as its fate in the underlying “twilight zone”.
14 January 2016
Study finds high melt rates on Antarctica’s most stable ice shelf
A new study measured a melting rate that is 25 times higher than expected on one part of the Ross Ice Shelf. The study suggests that high, localized melt rates such as this one on Antarctica’s largest and most stable ice shelf are normal and keep Antarctica’s ice sheets in balance.
24 November 2015
More about the Mariana Hydrothermal Hunt
This is the latest in a series of dispatches from scientists and education officers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor. This November, scientists aboard the research vessel Falkor will aim to shed light on the Mariana Back-arc, which is expected to be teeming with activity and life. Over the course of their 27 day mission at sea they will explore the back-arc spreading center to find new sites of hydrothermal activity and to better understand the physical, chemical, and geological forces that shape biodiversity in these unique ecosystems. Read more posts here, and track the Falkor’s progress here.
26 October 2015
Crossing and cleaning while tossing and turning
This is the latest in a series of dispatches from scientists and education officers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor. The crew is on 36-day research trip to study Tamu Massif, a massive underwater volcano, located 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) east of Japan in the Shatsky Rise. Read more posts here.
Toronto Ridge
Our eight survey lines were completed around midnight today, and now we are headed west to avoid the bad weather. This last survey line crossed over and mapped Toronto Ridge, the shallowest point on Tamu Massif, which is approximately 1900 meters (1.2 miles) below the ocean surface. According to chief scientist William Sager, this large and shallow ridge appearing on Tamu’s summit is even younger than the main shield volcano.
22 October 2015
Studying Tamu Massif
We’re pleased to introduce a series of guest blog posts by Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Research team on their research vessel Falkor. Join us as we catch up with them and follow along on their expedition.
The Falkor is currently on a 36-day research trip. Her destination is Tamu Massif, a massive underwater volcano, located approximately 1500 kilometers (or 932 miles) east of Japan in the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau. During their journey, researchers will focus on collecting bathymetric and magnetic data that could help clarify how Tamu Massif, possibly the world’s largest single volcano, was formed.
5 August 2014
Sea-level spikes can harm beaches worse than hurricane
Unforeseen, short-term increases in sea level caused by strong winds, pressure changes and fluctuating ocean currents can cause more damage to beaches on the East Coast over the course of a year than a powerful hurricane making landfall, according to a new study. The new research suggests that these sea-level anomalies could be more of a threat to coastal homes and businesses than previously thought, and could become higher and more frequent as a result of climate change.
13 December 2013
Microbial memories carry the pulse of past ocean climates
New data from ocean microbes in the Soledad basin off the coast of Baja, Calif., confirms a La Niña-like effect cooled surface waters 4,000 to 10,000 years ago.
GeoSpace is a blog on Earth and space science, managed by AGU’s Public Information staff. The blog features posts by AGU writers and guest contributors on all sorts of relevant science topics, but with a focus on new research and geo and space sciences-related stories that are currently in the news.