Thousands of barrels of oil have been tarring Brazil’s beaches since September, and no one knows why. An oil spill scientist is running oil forensics to find out.
marine debris
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Are Microplastics Transported to Polar Regions?
New modeling indicates that global subsurface ocean currents distribute submerged microplastics along very different routes than those traveled by floating plastic debris.
Posted inNews
Great Pacific Garbage Patch Swim Nears Conclusion
Long-distance swimmer Ben Lecomte seeks to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the ocean.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A Look at How Long-Banned PCBs Persist in the Ocean
A new study tracks how climatic factors like sea ice cover and ocean circulation affect the life span and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in the world’s oceans.
Posted inNews
Satellite Imagery Reveals Plastic Garbage in the Ocean
Using high-resolution satellite data, scientists pinpoint discarded plastics floating off the coasts of Canada and Scotland.
Posted inNews
The Many Unknown Facets of Plastics in Ecosystems
Few studies have examined lakes or wide swaths of ocean areas, leaving critical data gaps in how plastic pollution affects wildlife and moves across food webs.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Yellow Detritus in the Oceans May Help Reduce Warming
Dissolved organic matter in the oceans absorbs light near the water’s surface, leading to cooler waters that may help mitigate regional climate warming.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Brown Carbon from Increased Shipping Could Harm Arctic Ice
Emission from a ship’s engine gives clues to how much light-absorbing molecules may build up on and above snow and sea ice. Such emissions are likely to increase as more ships venture into the Arctic.
Posted inNews
Roving Exhibit Highlights Ocean Plastics Problem
The Ocean Plastics Lab, currently on the National Mall in Washington, D. C., illustrates the pollution threat and points to solutions.
Posted inNews
Oil Spill Response Knowledge Grows, but New Risks Emerge
Oil spill expert Nancy Kinner discusses lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon, dangers of aging infrastructure and atomized dispersants, and a Russian plan that imperils Arctic waters.