Oceans

Oceans

Climate change may boost toxic mercury levels in sea life

Increased runoff to the ocean due to climate change could raise neurotoxic mercury in coastal sea life by disrupting the base of the food web.

Climate

Earth’s last major warm period was as hot as today

Sea surface temperatures today are comparable to those around 125,000 years ago, a time when sea levels were 6 to 9 meters higher, new research suggests.

Climate

For three years in a row, Earth breaks heat record

Spurred by climate change and heat from a strong El Niño, 2016 was the hottest year on record.

Climate

Warming could disrupt Atlantic Ocean current

The Atlantic current that keeps northwestern Europe warm may be less stable under future climate change than previously thought, revised simulations show.

Earth

‘Waterworld’ Earth preceded late rise of continents, scientist proposes

Cooling mantle temperatures may have lifted Earth’s continents above sea level, helping spur the Cambrian explosion.

Oceans

Readers contemplate corals and more

Coral engineering, ancient almanacs and more in reader feedback.

Climate

Solar panels are poised to be truly green

Solar panels are about to break even on their energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Oceans

Coral die-off in Great Barrier Reef reaches record levels

Bleaching has killed more than two-thirds of corals in some parts of the Great Barrier Reef, scientists have confirmed.

Climate

Say hola to La Niña

La Niña, El Niño’s meteorological sister, has officially taken over and could alter weather patterns throughout the world this winter.

Environment

Ocean plastic emits chemical that may trick seabirds into eating trash

Some seabirds might be eating plastic because it emits a chemical that smells like food.

Environment

Ocean plastic emits chemical that tricks seabirds into eating trash

Some seabirds might be eating plastic because it emits a chemical that smells like food.

Climate

Human CO₂ emissions put Arctic on track to be ice-free by 2050

Sea ice is shrinking by about three square meters for each metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted, new research suggests.