Oceans

Climate

Antarctic sea ice shrinks to record low

The Antarctic sea ice extent has reached a new low just two years after hitting a record high.

Ecosystems

Seagrasses boost ecosystem health by fighting bad bacteria

Seagrasses might reduce bacteria levels in ocean water.

Physics

Sound waves could take a tsunami down a few notches

A tsunami’s ferocious force could be taken down a few notches with a pair of counter waves.

Oceans

Fleeting dead zones can muck with seafloor life for decades

Low-oxygen conditions can fundamentally disrupt seafloor ecosystems and increase carbon burial, new research shows.

Oceans

Cone snails wander in circles, lose focus with boosted CO₂

Deadly cone snails wander in circles and become less capable hunters when exposed to higher levels of carbon dioxide in seawater.

Oceans

Cone snails wander in circles, lose focus with boosted CO₂

Deadly cone snails wander in circles and become less capable hunters when exposed to higher levels of carbon dioxide in seawater.

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.