Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.
RECENT NEWS
Hope in fossilized fish bits
Abundant life in hotter ancient seas gives one paleontologist optimism for the future
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🧪A recent @nytimes story features ocean and river alkalinity enhancement projects around the world– including a #WHOI study that aims to answer questions about the viability and impact of this potential #climatesolution.
"Scientists estimate that similar methods deployed in oceans could remove billions of tons [of carbon dioxide] per year: not enough to cool the planet single-handedly, but significant if societies also stop polluting.”
📲 Read the full story! Find the gift article at the 🔗 in our bio!
Sep 24
![🧪A recent @nytimes story features ocean and river alkalinity enhancement projects around the world– including a #WHOI study that aims to answer questions about the viability and impact of this potential #climatesolution.
"Scientists estimate that similar methods deployed in oceans could remove billions of tons [of carbon dioxide] per year: not enough to cool the planet single-handedly, but significant if societies also stop polluting.”
📲 Read the full story! Find the gift article at the 🔗 in our bio!](https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
🌊Like veins and arteries, #currents transport energy, chemicals, and other materials around the globe. Without the motion of the ocean, our climate would be very different!
This week, we`re putting your ocean knowledge to the test! Share your best guess in the comments and we`ll enter you in a raffle to become a #WHOI member! 🫣
(Already a member, or just want to support our ocean research? You can become a member or gift a membership at the link in bio!)
Sep 24
🦠Guess what? The diets of ocean microbes can make a big impact on how much carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere!
#WHOI scientists + colleagues at @ethzurich and @ucalgary recently discovered that microbes prefer munching on carbon-rich fatty acid biomolecules. Once these #smallbutmighty microorganisms die, they sink into the deep ocean, taking all the carbon they’ve consumed with them!
📲Learn more from @earthdotcom at the 🔗 in our bio!
📸 by Helen Fredricks © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Microscope image by Steven Smriga, ETH-Zürich
Sep 23
Summer may have passed through the hourglass, but sand is eternal. As you wipe the last grains from your sandals, swipe to find out more about the colorful palette found on beaches around the world!
🎨 by @n.renier + ✒️ by @hannahesea, #WHOI Creative
Sep 23
☀️🌍🚘 The #greenhouseeffect would be completely out of control without the #ocean, forests, and other natural #carbonsinks.
📲Learn more about the ocean`s role in absorbing #carbon– and regulating our climate– at the 🔗 in our profile!
#ClimateWeekNYC #takeabreath #thanktheocean
Sep 23
🌀🌊🌀On this day in 1938, the #GreatNewEnglandHurricane finally ended its trail of destruction along the US East Coast. Seen here, waves batter the sea wall near the @noaafisheriesnewenglandmidatl building in #WoodsHole, MA– which was rebuilt after it was destroyed by another hurricane, 16 years later.
📲 Find out what #hurricanes are made of–and what past storms tell us about our future climate– at the 🔗in our profile!
📸 © #WHOI
Sep 22
OUR WORK
WHOI is at the forefront of groundbreaking science and technology development, unlocking the mysteries of our ocean, its connections to life on Earth, and solutions it may hold to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.
Our scientists and engineers lead more than 800 concurrent projects, tackling some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change and ocean pollution to sustainable food and energy production.
We operate a fleet of research vessels and vehicles, including two large ships (R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis), a smaller coastal research vessel, the iconic human-occupied submersible Alvin, and dozens of other underwater robots.
Through our higher education programs, including the prestigious MIT-WHOI Joint Program, we train new generations of ocean scientists, engineers, and leaders-providing access to cutting edge facilities and unparalleled access to the sea.
WHOI plays a leading role in ocean communications, sharing our insights and knowledge about the ocean to the general public, policymakers, educators, and more, so we can make wise decisions about our ocean, our planet, and our future.
FEATURED PROJECTS
We have over 1,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff working around the globe and cutting edge laboratories to push the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean.
Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator
Bringing together industry, academia, and philanthropy to develop and accelerate new climate change solutions.
Ocean Twilight Zone
Exploring the globe-spanning region beneath the sunlit upper ocean where life thrives
Ocean Worlds
Discovering the links between life in our ocean and the search for life beyond Earth
Marine Microplastics Initiative
Investigating the fate of microplastics and their impacts on marine life and human health
Super Reefs
Searching for corals around the world to help ensure a future for reefs in a warming ocean
Ocean Observatories Initiative
The NSF-funded program measures physical, chemical, geological and biological properties from the seafloor to the air-sea interface.
HADEX
Research and exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean, Earth’s final frontier
Reef Solutions
Working to protect corals and reverse the global decline of reef ecosystems