Atlantic Ocean Circulation at Weakest Point in 1,600 years
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 11 April 2018
New research by UCL and WHOI shows the Atlantic Ocean circulation system (AMOC) is at its weakest in 1,600 years, weakening 15–20% since the 1800s. Continued decline could disrupt global climate and accelerate sea-level rise on the U.S. East Coast.
Keywords: sediment records, Arctic melt, freshwater influx, Nature journal, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, weather disruption
How Do Marine Mammals Avoid the Bends?
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 25 April 2018
A WHOI study reveals how marine mammals avoid the bends using specialized lung structures that limit nitrogen absorption. Stress, such as sonar exposure, may disrupt this system and cause decompression sickness, possibly explaining whale strandings.
Keywords: nitrogen, CT scan, cetaceans, diving adaptation, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, whale strandings, Fundacion Oceanografic
Are Emperor Penguins Eating Enough?
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 2 May 2018
WHOI scientists developed a remote video method to monitor Emperor penguins’ foraging success via huddling behavior. As sea ice declines due to climate change, this approach helps assess penguin health and guide conservation efforts.
Keywords: Remote sensing, transition temperature, penguin health, conservation, Antarctic, Zitterbart, wind chill, Journal of Applied Physics
