Category: Physical Oceanography

Air pollution has a big impact on the ocean. Photo credit: guilherme cecílio via photopin cc.

Update on Ocean Pollution

Here’s the latest info on ocean pollution, including how atmospheric pollution affects marine life and the tolerance of marine species to oil pollution.

Image of Arctic ice before and during a bloom, captured during NASA's ICESCAPE expedition. Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Plankton Switching Roles in Arctic Ecosystem

The Arctic Ocean experiences a two-week algal bloom every spring that fuels the food web for the whole year. But as ocean temperatures rise, this could become a problem.

Marine Pollution: A Simple Summary

Marine Pollution: A Simple Summary

After a couple of marine pollution posts last week (plastic and nutrients), this infographic from Project Aware sums up the situation nicely.

Mussels (mytilus trossulus) attach to substratum with byssal threads. Photo credit: Emily Carrington.

Ocean Acidification Goes Beyond Damaging Shells

As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, ocean acidification continues to threaten shelled organisms. But, new research shows that the shells aren’t the only parts in danger…

An example of a harmful algal bloom. Photo credit: NOAA.

Plastic Pollution Isn’t the Ocean’s Only Problem

We recently wrote about the problems associated with plastic pollution, but what about other kinds of ocean pollution?

Plastic pollution. Photo credit: cesarharada.com via photopin cc.

Plastic Pollution: The Problems and a Possible Solution

Plastic pollution is a problem worldwide. How exactly is it affecting our oceans and what is being done about it?

Mangroves in Nudgee Beach, Brisbane, QLD. Photo credit: Christolakis via photopin cc.

Blue Carbon: Storing Carbon in Coastal Environments

A new research project will survey the entire coastline of Western Australia in order to determine its ‘blue carbon’ potential.

Diver descending the wall of Cayman Trench in the Caribbean. Photo credit: NOAA-OE.

The Search for Antibiotics in Trenches

An international research team is looking for “the next generation” of antibiotics at the bottom of the ocean.

European perch (Perca fluviatilis). Photo credit: Dgp.martin.

Anti-Anxiety Medications Ending Up in Our Water

Researchers have recently found that residue from anti-anxiety medications in waterways is affecting fish behavior.

Sea foam. Photo credit: Brocken Inaglory.

Sea Foam Invasion in Australia – Video

If you haven’t seen it yet, you have to check out this video of sea foam overtaking a beach town in Australia.