Earth Science
El Nino
Global map illustrating changes in sea surface temperatures, wind, and weather patterns that define an El Niño event.
Read MoreEruptions along the North American Plate and Yellowstone hotspot
The North American Plate has slowly moved westward over an active magma chamber, leaving a trail of past eruptions. The hotspot now lies beneath Yellowstone Park.
Read MoreCarbon-14 natural cycle
An illustration showing the natural carbon-14 cycle through the atmosphere, land and ocean.
Read MoreCO Solubility Pump
Cold seawater absorbs CO? from the atmosphere, which sinks to the deep ocean via circulation, storing carbon long-term in the solubility pump process.
Read MoreTransport of microplastics in the North Atlantic
Global maps illustrating how microplastics may travel through the North Atlantic and Arctic, based on global transport simulations.
Read MoreConceptual cross-section view of Yellowstone Lake geothermal dynamics
Yellowstone’s colorful pools and geysers are surface features of a vast geothermal system that stretches beneath the northern half of Yellowstone Lake.
Read MoreConfiguration of tsunami warning pressure sensor system
Tsunami pressure sensors send underwater sound signals that bounce off warm surface layers to relay stations, triggering alerts sent to officials on shore.
Read MoreCurrent vortices peeling off cylinders
Fluid usually doesn’t flow smoothly around cylindrical objects. Instead, the flow breaks away from the object into vortices, similar to those made by fish.
Read MoreGreenland circulation
Map illustrating North Atlantic currents flowing into two Greenland fjords, combined with seafloor bathymetry.
Read MoreCities and sea level impact
2013 map highlighting 20 cities projected to be at risk due to sea level rise.
Read MoreAnatomy of the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami
Before and after the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.
Read MoreArctic Ocean currents
Detailed map illustrating Arctic currents and the surrounding sovereign regions in flat projection.
Read More"How Climate Change Spurred the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations"
Climate change particularly changes in the monsoon—prompted dramatic changes in how the peoples of ancient India lived.
Read MoreWhat happens in the ocean as a hurricane passes over?
Hurricanes are powerful storms that cause massive damage on land. Here’s a look at what happens below the surface during a storm.
Read MoreAre offshore wind farms harming whales?
A collection of seemingly grass-roots organizations claim that offshore wind projects are responsible for an uptick in whale deaths. But there’s no evidence to support their claims. Whales have been…
Read MoreWhat is a marine heatwave?
From waning winds to warmer atmospheres, here is the recipe for sudden temperature spikes in our ocean
Read MoreWill the Gulf Stream really shut down?
Recent news headlines suggest the Gulf Stream current could shut down in just a few years—or perhaps a few decades—bringing about a catastrophic change in global climate.
Read MoreHow does ocean warming affect fisheries?
The ocean has absorbed 93% of excess heat from human activities, raising its temperature by 1.5°F since 1901. Warming oceans impact fish migration, leading to conflicts and overfishing.
Read MoreWhere does all the carbon go?
Explore the ocean’s critical role in carbon sequestration and how it could be a pathway to mitigate climate change.
Read MoreIt’s always freezing in the Arctic. Or is it?
WHOI experts dig into a popular misconception that the Arctic is always frigid.
Read MoreWhat are ocean robots?
From the icy poles to sensitive coral reefs, robots empower us to understand more of the ocean than ever before. But just what are they?
Read MoreHow do ocean robots take the pressure?
Find out how engineers build robots to withstand the crushing pressures of the deep sea
Read MoreIs the Great Barrier Reef making a comeback?
The world’s largest reef saw record growth after years of bleaching, but it’s not out of the woods yet
Read MoreOcean acidification is no big deal, right?
Some people argue that ocean acidification isn’t an issue of concern. After all, they say, the ocean isn’t actually acidic. There is some truth to that. On the pH scale,…
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