Did Venus ever have oceans?
The planet Venus can be seen as the Earth's evil twin. At first sight, it is of comparable mass and size as our home planet, similarly consists mostly of rocky material, holds some water and has an atmosphere. Yet, a closer look reveals striking diff.....»»
A new theoretical development clarifies water"s electronic structure
There is no doubt that water is significant. Without it, life would never have begun, let alone continue today—not to mention its role in the environment itself, with oceans covering over 70% of Earth......»»
Earth"s early evolution: Fresh insights from rocks formed 3.5 billion years ago
Our Earth is around 4.5 billion years old. Way back in its earliest years, vast oceans dominated. There were frequent volcanic eruptions and, because there was no free oxygen in the atmosphere, there was no ozone layer. It was a dynamic and evolving.....»»
Researchers find destruction of oceans" worth of water per month in Orion Nebula
An international team, including Western astrophysicists Els Peeters and Jan Cami, has found the destruction and re-formation of a large quantity of water in a planet-forming disk located at the heart of the Orion Nebula......»»
Satellites increasingly critical for monitoring ocean health
Playing a huge role in moderating the climate, oceans are fundamental to the functioning of our planet. Understanding more about how seawater temperatures are rising and how oceans are absorbing excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, as well as knock-on.....»»
Research shows how air pollution has offset expected increases in rainfall
We know that greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide should increase rainfall. The emissions heat the atmosphere, causing a one-two punch: Warmer oceans make it easier for water to evaporate, and warmer air can hold more water vapor, meaning mor.....»»
Examining viruses that can help "dial up" carbon capture in the sea
Armed with a catalog of hundreds of thousands of DNA and RNA virus species in the world's oceans, scientists are now zeroing in on the viruses most likely to combat climate change by helping trap carbon dioxide in seawater or, using similar technique.....»»
Skyrocketing ocean temperatures have scientists scratching their heads
Shattered temperature records have grim implications for hurricane season. Enlarge (credit: jay_zynism via Getty) For nearly a year now, a bizarre heating event has been unfolding across the world’s oceans. In March 20.....»»
How do oceans start to close? New study suggests the Atlantic may "soon" enter its declining phase
A new study, resorting to computational models, predicts that a subduction zone currently below the Gibraltar Strait will propagate further inside the Atlantic and contribute to forming an Atlantic subduction system—an Atlantic ring of fire. This w.....»»
Synthetic fibers and tire abrasion found to have the strongest impact on corals
Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it i.....»»
How to buy sustainable salmon: An expert guide to navigating the nuance of eco-labels
We've all been there. You're in the supermarket freezer aisle trying to make sense of the different labels on seafood products. You know the oceans are in trouble and you're trying to do the right thing, but the information is confusing and seemingly.....»»
Is there a new deep-sea fishery on the horizon?
The world's oceans contain huge volumes of unexploited resource species living at depths between 200 and 1,000 meters in the so-called mesopelagic zone. They have the potential to provide humans with valuable resources such as oils and proteins, and.....»»
JWST data suggest exoplanet K2-18b may have molten surface rather than a watery ocean
A multi-institutional team of astronomers, Earth scientists and planetary physicists has found evidence, via data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), that some hycean exoplanets may have molten surfaces rather than watery oceans. In their stu.....»»
NASA launches PACE satellite to observe Earth’s oceans and atmosphere
NASA has launched its latest Earth-monitoring mission, a satellite that studies the atmosphere and the oceans, as well as their relationship to climate change......»»
NASA climate satellite blasts off to survey oceans and atmosphere of a warming Earth
NASA's newest climate satellite rocketed into orbit Thursday to survey the world's oceans and atmosphere in never-before-seen detail......»»
Reinforcing the diverse ways people access seafood can ensure healthy communities in the face of change
As climate change affects the oceans, coastal communities—particularly those at the front lines of ocean warming and sea level rise—are facing pressures that could threaten their access to aquatic foods......»»
Saturn’s tiny moon Mimas seems to have an ocean, too
The ocean must have formed relatively recently, but we don't know how. Enlarge / That is actually a moon. (credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute) The once-exclusive club of Solar System objects that host oceans is get.....»»
How to watch NASA launch its newest ocean and atmosphere observation satellite tonight
NASA's newest mission to observe Earth's atmosphere and oceans, and how these interact with the changing climate, is launching tonight. Here's how to watch......»»
Governments spend US$22 billion a year helping the fishing industry empty our oceans. This injustice must end
Overfishing has dire consequences for ocean health and for the millions of people who depend on fish for food and well-being. Globally, catch has been steadily declining since the 1990s. It's a trend that's likely to continue if we fail to act now......»»
NASA’s skywatching tips for February include Mars return and a spiral galaxy
NASA's top picks for what to look out for in the sky over the coming weeks include Venus, Mars, and a spiral galaxy 11.8 million light-years away......»»
Engineers unmask nanoplastics in oceans, revealing their true shapes and chemistry
Millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year. The sun's ultraviolet light and ocean turbulence break down these plastics into invisible nanoparticles that threaten marine ecosystems......»»