Galapagos Expedition Reveals Unknown Seamounts, New Species
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 9 December 2015
A WHOI-led expedition mapped over 70 unexplored seamounts in the Galápagos, revealing diverse marine life and geological features. Findings could reshape understanding of volcanic activity, species migration, and conservation of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
Keywords: catshark discovery, coral ecosystems, Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Marine Reserve, ocean exploration, deep-sea ecology, seafloor geology.
New Study Provides First Field Observations of Rare Omura’s Whales
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 22 October 2015
Researchers have made the first confirmed field observations of rare Omura’s whales off Madagascar. Long misidentified as Bryde’s whales, these elusive marine mammals show unique markings and vocal behavior. DNA confirmed the species' identity.
Keywords: Baleen whales, vocalizations, marine mammal research, genetic identification, Bryde’s whale, whale sightings, cetacean biodiversity
Gulf Stream Ring Water Intrudes onto Continental Shelf Like “Pinocchio’s Nose”
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 30 September 2015
WHOI scientists discovered a new process—Pinocchio’s Nose Intrusions—where warm Gulf Stream water penetrates the colder continental shelf near Massachusetts. Data from ocean gliders revealed deep intrusions that could impact marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Keywords: water density, fisheries, American eel, shelf circulation, ocean warming, marine ecosystems, OOI, WHOI.
