Occurrence of blue and fin whales in the Arctic
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 27 November 2024
A decade-long acoustic study in the eastern Fram Strait reveals changing seasonal patterns of blue and fin whale presence, possibly linked to climate change. Year-round recordings suggest shifting migratory behaviour due to warming and sea-ice loss.
Keywords: sea ice loss, whale migration, marine mammals, underwater noise
Rapid surge in global warming mainly due to reduced planetary albedo
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 5 December 2024
In 2023, global temperatures surged unexpectedly. AWI researchers link this to a record drop in Earth's reflectivity (albedo), caused by fewer low-level clouds, likely intensified by global warming—raising urgency for climate action.
Keywords: albedo, low clouds, global warming, AWI, 2023 heat records, cloud cover
Are particle emissions from offshore wind farms harmful for blue mussels?
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 18 December 2024
AWI researchers found that particles from eroded offshore wind turbine blades can be absorbed by blue mussels, impacting their metabolism. This raises concerns about potential environmental and human health risks in wind farm aquaculture zones.
Keywords: offshore wind, blue mussels, rotor blade erosion, metal uptake, AWI, aquaculture, marine pollution
