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
5 essential ocean-climate technologies
In the race to find solutions to our climate crisis, these marine tools help us get the data to make informed decisions
Read 
Read 
Watch
⛈️🌎🌤️ We often hear about the #weather. We also hear about #climate. The two terms are related, but they`re not the same thing. So what’s the difference– and why does it matter?
📲 Brush up on the nuances for #ClimateWeek! Answers await at the link in bio!
Sep 22
Tidal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass beds are known as #bluecarbon sinks because the sediments and plants store so much #carbon– even more than tropical rainforests! Unfortunately, these sensitive coastal ecosystems are threatened by an array of man-made impacts, including ocean acidification. Scientists want to know if they can reverse this decline while also increasing carbon storage through “enhanced weathering.” The idea draws from the natural breakdown of rocks in the ocean, which cause chemical reactions that increase alkalinity and reduce carbon.
In partnership with @nationalparkservice, @usgs, @noaafisheries, and Project Vesta, #WHOI scientists will introduce ultrabasic olivine sand in a tidal #wetland as part of the Herring River Restoration on #CapeCod. Their study will investigate the safety and potential for carbon dioxide removal and local ocean acidification reduction over a four-year period.
This #ClimateWeek, learn more about ocean-based climate solutions! 📲 Link in bio!
📸 by Kate Morkeski © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Sep 22
❄️🐻❄️🧊 What do you know about the #Arctic? Put your polar knowledge to the test– 👉🏽 swipe right to take the quiz!
Want more cool facts? Chill out while watching #OceanEncounters, our virtual event with leading Arctic experts! The show happened live last night, but you can watch anytime via the link in bio!
Sep 21
⁉️ 🍃🌊 Did you know that #photosynthesis happens in the #ocean? Just like plant leaves, plant-like organisms called #phytoplankton take up sunlight and CO2 at the ocean surface and convert it into energy and oxygen. When they’re consumed by other marine life, that carbon becomes part of the marine food chain– and much of it sinks to the deep ocean for thousands of years!
This “biological carbon pump” is a big reason why the Earth has a liveable climate– and scientists want to know if it can draw down even more CO2 from the atmosphere. One idea is to “fertilize” the phytoplankton at the surface with iron. While this natural process is already happening via dust carried by the wind from deserts and glacial sediments (seen here blowing into the Gulf of Alaska and on the world map as red crosses), the impact of adding more iron as a means of CO2 removal remains unclear.
In 2002, scientists experimented with adding iron to a limited area of the North Pacific (seen here in this satellite image, with red patches indicating phytoplankton growth), one of several such experiments that have been done in other areas of the world ocean (indicated on the world map by white crosses).
A new project led by #WHOI scientists, with partners at @ncar_ucar and NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, will model the effectiveness of iron fertilization as a carbon dioxide removal (#mCDR) technique, quantify potential ecological consequences, and determine the necessary systems for monitoring carbon and ecosystem changes.
This #ClimateWeek, learn more about ocean-based climate solutions! 📲 Link in bio!
Satellite images courtesy of Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team @nasa
Map courtesy of @thenasciences
Sep 21
#Throwback to the old ways of doing ocean circulation experiments! Seen here in the early 1960s, #WHOI physical oceanographer Alan Faller (right) and a visiting colleague use a rotating turntable depicting #GulfStream flow patterns in bounded basins. The dark patches in the two pie-shaped basins make it easier to see the flow and circulation of water.
📸 by Jan Hahn via the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution archives
Sep 21
Scientists have long tried–and failed– to find out where #AmericanEels are born. Another mystery is how the tiny, delicate larvae (known as "glass eels") are able to migrate vast distances, against ocean currents, in less than a year.
🔎🕵️♀️ #WHOI physical oceanographer Irina Rypina is on the case, with some help from computer models. 📲 Find out what she knows via the link in bio!
📸 courtesy of Chris Bowser/NYSDEC and @the_hentzoriginal © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Sep 20
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
