About Jimmie Thomas

http://monterey16.oceansconference.org

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The Best Technology Used To Research Oceans

Human population is incredibly dependent on the sea, and yet we know so little about it. Did you know that only 2% of oceans have been researched so far? This is a shockingly small percentage. Studying and understanding the oceans is also essential for shipping companies. In this way, we can predict the weather and sea conditions, which are vitals for ships in planning courses and taking necessary measures and precautions. But, the more pressing issue is that ocean observation system helps us understand the ocean pollution, climate changes and untapped recourses and current changes. So, below are mentioned relevant technologies scientist use every day.

High-frequency radars

This tool measures the speed and the direction of ocean surface near the coastline, from a few kilometers to 200 km offshore. HFR also detects the objects floating on the sea surface, and it has proven to be very useful for search and rescue operations. The radar sends the signal offshore, and the conductive seawater surface returns a message, providing velocity and direction. The device gives data every 15 minutes, and even they are even placed directly into the water by ship members to measure current speeds. The HF radars are also able to provide data that satellites are incapable of doing.

SeaGliders

This device is an autonomous underwater vehicle or underwater glides that are designed to measure long-term oceanographic parameters. With the help of small changes in buoyancy and wings, the vehicle can move forward. It has a battery that powers the entire machinery. Seaglider is made for long missions that cover up to thousands of miles and last for many months. The vehicle can operate at a depth up to 1000. It moves quickly through the water, and the internal sensors can determine depth, heading, and attitude when it dives.

Animal telemetry

Animal telemetry includes marine animals to wear a small electronic tracking device. This tagging technology helps us understand how these animals interact with the ocean. The collected data is essential to see how climate changing and pollution is affecting the marine life. Back in the 1990s, this device was first tested on sharks, sea turtles, seals, and whales. Sensors monitor animals and gather valuable data from unreachable areas in the ocean. They are used in extreme conditions where other devices and methods are useless.

Boyo system

This is a floating instrumentation platform in the sea used to gather data about the sea and environmental conditions. For instance, it can collect the information such as sea temperature, current speed, humidity, wave parameters and wind speed. Once the data is received, it is sent to shore centers throughout a satellite. They analyze the result and make predictions based on collected parameters in a particular area. Boyo system is beneficial with tsunami predictions because it has a bottom pressure recorder, which is deployed at the ocean bottom.

Drifters

Using the drifters, scientists can measure global ocean currents and their effects. With new improvements, drifters offer ocean circulation patterns in real time. They can be deployed from the ships and airplanes, and once they hit the ocean surface, drifters collect data and send it to onshore stations.

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How Are Climate Change Affecting Our Oceans?

In the last couple of years, the general public has become more aware of climate change. They have an incredible and irreversible impact on the oceans and marine life. Considering that salt water covers the 2/3 of earth’s surface, global warming affects the oceans in a way that can damage the entire human population. These massive bodies of water absorb heat and carbon dioxide, and the physical impact of climate change is now visible and dramatic. So, we are going to present you how climate change is affecting our oceans and creating a death zone.

Rising sea levels

This is probably the most common consequence of global warming. Polar ice caps are melting continuously, making seas to rise and putting coastal areas in danger. At some point in the future, they will be permanently flooded. This situation is very harmful to estuaries, the grass in them provides protection and natural defense. The rising sea levels will drown these wetlands and costs will be in jeopardy. The scientists are already predicting the disappearance of some coastal lines and famous island from the map.

Weather patterns are changing

Ocean temperatures cause any significant weather events, and the currents called the gyres act as conveyors belts, carrying storms and weather patterns around the world. Every time the currents change, the weather shifts. This particularly affects the humans because the warmer ocean becomes, the stronger tropical storms are, which later turn into hurricanes. The last year was devastating for the U.S. coastline. The hurricanes took lives, destroyed

homes and cities and people are still recovering. But, storms don’t only hurt people, but also a marine life because changing weather patterns are damaging migrating species of fish and birds.

Migration patterns are changing

Due to high temperatures of oceans, specific schools of fish are now moving to the areas where they were unable to survive. But if the fish moves, the fishing boats will move as well, and this becomes a problem. The schools of fish will not be able to create their natural habitat. The ships will bring the pollution with them and continue to deplete the recourses in the surrounding areas.

Bleach of coral reefs

When the water around coral reef gets hot, the coral releases algae that turns it white. Coral and algae are intimately connected, and they depend on each other. But, significant release of algae can lead to coral reef death and with its death come severe consequences that affect the entire marine life. The ocean loses massive ecosystem that carries vast diversity. For years, scientists have been warning population about the Great Coral Reef and its intinction. But, no significant actions have been taken, unfortunately.

Ph level is increasing

Following the situation with coral reefs, another significant problem that can climate changes cause is the ocean acidification. The oceans absorb ¼ of annual CO2 release and other greenhouse gases. While some think this is useful because it reduces the pollution of the land, the seawater is becoming gradually acid over the time. This process will not only damage coral reefs, but also the creatures that depend on them. Many species use calcium carbonate to form their shelves and skeletons. But studies have found that calcium carbonate formation is disturbed when the water becomes acid.

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Four Ways You Are Harming The Oceans Without Realizing It

Every species on Earth is connected to oceans. Our survival depends on water, but we are careless. Every year, numerous organizations and research centers warn us about the harmful effects we are making. One individual can’t do much, but if you untie, we can do wonders. If you are interested in conservation of our planet and you want to contribute to this noble cause, then we want to point out a couple of things you should reduce or stop doing.

Driving

Each time you drive, your car emits carbon dioxide and spreads it into the atmosphere. But, did you know that oceans absorb ¼ of the world’s annual carbon dioxide emission? So, here is one interesting fact, as the carbon dioxide rises in the atmosphere, the same thing happens with the oceans. We don’t need to mention that this is bad because it lowers pH levels and makes it hard for crustaceans, planktons, and corals to live. Based on current estimates, by 2100, oceans will be 150 percent more acidic. Unfortunately, we can’t stop the world from driving cars, but luckily, many countries are things seriously and switching to electric cars and putting caps on diesel fuel.

Byung seafood

It turns out there aren’t many fish in the sea we might hope, due to unsustainable practice of commercial fishing, combined with the collapse of reef systems. By the end of 2048, we could be facing severe consequences and closing down of all the world’s leading fisheries. People often buy shrimps in most unusual places, but if you eat shrimps, you should know that for every one pound of caught shrimps, 15 pounds of unintended wildlife is captured as well. But, what can we do? For instance, we should eat fish that is more sustainable and purchase it from a farmer’s market.

Growing flowers

This might seem strange, and even something as delicate as a rose garden can be bad for oceans. Based on numerous recourses and data, 75 million pounds of synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are deposited into our land, crops, and gardens every year. The extra nutrients plants can’t absorb, go into the water. In this process algae die and decompress, taking out the oxygen from the water and creating a dead zone for other species. Fish also take chemicals, which make them sick and we later eat that fish. For now, we can’t do much

because the large corporations are chemicals to provide more crops and they are the most significant polluters on the planet. But we can keep our gardens organic as possible.

Using sunscreen

Contrary popular belief, there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Suing sun block incorrectly and immediately jumping into an ocean will splash it off and send it into the water. The scientists recently discovered that chemical used in sunscreen called benzophenone-2 could cause coral reefs to bleach, make changes in their DNA and kill young corals. You can’t stop using sunscreen; you can limit yourself to moderate amounts. You should apply cream every two hours, wear a hat and sit under an umbrella. Make sure to sunbath after 5 PM because ultraviolet rays are weaker then.