Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Inti Keith, William Bensted-Smith, Stuart Banks, Jenifer Suarez, Bernhard Riegl
Summary: Coral reefs in the Galapagos Islands are under threat from increasing anthropogenic pressure, which may cause changes in their structure and function. The invasive species, Caulerpa chemnitzia, initially posed a risk of displacing corals, but its population has significantly decreased since 2019, reducing the threat.
Article
Limnology
Ana Molina-Hernandez, Francisco Medellin-Maldonado, Ines D. Lange, Chris T. Perry, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip
Summary: The study analyzed the rates of external erosion on different types of carbonate substrates under in situ conditions and found significant erosion on recently dead coral colonies. The research provides new insights into how and at what rates external carbonate erosion is shaping contemporary reefs at fine spatial and temporal scales.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi Liu, Wenju Cai, Xiaopei Lin, Ziguang Li, Ying Zhang
Summary: The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a consequential climate phenomenon affecting global extreme weather events often with largescale socioeconomic impacts. Research has found that the economic damage from El Nino is far greater than the benefits from La Nina, and under greenhouse warming, increased ENSO variability leads to increased economic loss.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas T. Hitt, Hussein R. Sayani, Alyssa R. Atwood, Pamela R. Grothe, Christopher Maupin, Gemma K. O'Connor, Rachel M. Walter, Daniel Gebregiorgis, Madeleine E. Hardt, Yanbin Lu, Hai Cheng, R. Lawrence Edwards, Kim M. Cobb
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of reconstructing twentieth century climate trends using an ensemble of multiple, short coral records, and shows a shift toward warmer and wetter conditions in the central equatorial Pacific since 1970.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Li, Eric Garshick, Shaodan Huang, Petros Koutrakis
Summary: This study investigates the influence of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on surface dust levels in different regions. Results show that dust concentrations are positively related with SOI, with stronger associations in North Africa and the Middle East. La Nina episodes are associated with increased dust concentrations, while El Nino events are associated with decreased dust concentrations in regions with high dust pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thanh Le, Kyung-Ja Ha, Deg-Hyo Bae
Summary: The study examines the causal influences of ENSO on future runoff from 2015 to 2100 using outputs from different model simulations. Results show significant impacts of ENSO on total runoff across various regions globally, especially in Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. Future projections indicate higher impacts of ENSO on total runoff in certain regions compared to historical period, with an increase in land area affected by ENSO.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Jae-Heung Park, Mi-Kyung Sung, Young-Min Yang, Jiuwei Zhao, Soon-Il An, Jong-Seong Kug
Summary: The North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) plays a role in triggering El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) through the seasonal footprinting mechanism (SFM). The efficiency of SFM varies among models and depends on the background mean state of the model. Greater intensification of the northern branch of the Pacific intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) leads to stronger SFM efficiency and better triggers ENSO events.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anbao Zhu, Haiming Xu, Jiechun Deng, Jing Ma, Shuhui Li
Summary: The El Nino-Southern Oscillation has a significant impact on spring aerosols over mainland South East Asia, southern China, and the ocean south of Japan. The ENSO affects aerosols in East Asia mainly through modulation of upstream aerosol generation and transport processes. The physical mechanism involves changes in air moisture and precipitation leading to variations in biomass burning activities and carbonaceous aerosol emissions.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yu Liang, Alexey Fedorov, Patrick Haertel
Summary: The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) response to sea surface temperature anomalies in equatorial Pacific impacts westerly wind bursts (WWBs) differently during El Nino onset and development. During El Nino onset, MJO shifts toward the equator, while in development stage, MJO strengthens in central Pacific. These changes enhance MJO activity along the equator, facilitating WWBs.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Ronnie G. Gavilan, Junior Caro-Castro, Joaquin Trinanes
Summary: Global warming is causing significant changes in weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe global events like the El Nino Southern Oscillation. This is contributing to the spread of climate-sensitive diseases such as diarrheal diseases. The use of remote sensing for environmental monitoring, combined with epidemiological surveillance data, is helping researchers study the dynamics of infectious diseases associated with El Nino, which can inform strategies for managing and preventing these diseases.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Jia, Wenju Cai, Bolan Gan, Lixin Wu, Emanuele Di Lorenzo
Summary: Research suggests that under high-emissions warming scenarios, the North Pacific Meridional Mode (NPMM) strengthens its impact on El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), leading to increased frequency of extreme ENSO events and improved predictability.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Daniel L. Rudnick, W. Brechner Owens, T. M. Shaun Johnston, Kristopher B. Karnauskas, Julie Jakoboski, Robert E. Todd
Summary: Through sustained deployment of underwater gliders, researchers observed the strong El Nino of 2014-16 west of the Galapagos Islands, revealing the structure of the Equatorial Undercurrent, the South Equatorial Current, and the equatorial front, as well as the correlation between salinity and mixing.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Shangfeng Chen, Wen Chen
Summary: This study found that the positive spring Arctic Oscillation (+ AO) has a significant impact on the succedent winter El Nino, especially in the North Pacific component. The observations show that in AO-EL years, a strong anticyclonic anomaly appears over mid-latitude North Pacific, accompanied by significant cyclonic anomaly, sea surface temperature warming, and an increase in atmospheric heating over subtropical North Pacific.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xuefei Chen, Wenfeng Deng, Hangfang Xiao, Huimin Guo, Ti Zeng, Jian-xin Zhao, Gangjian Wei
Summary: Researchers have examined fossil corals from the South China Sea and found that the 4.2 ka BP event was characterized by cooler climate and meridional dry-wet patterns in East Asia. Additionally, their examination of coral records from other ocean regions suggests that SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific played a crucial role in driving hydrology shifts in East Asia during this time period.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thanh Le, Deg-Hyo Bae
Summary: This study assessed the causal effects of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on global soil moisture using CMIP6 models and found that it is likely to have impacts on soil moisture in various regions. The consistency of ENSO's causal impacts differs among regions, with lower consistency in Southeast Asia and higher consensus in eastern Africa, western Asia, Australia, south central North America, and South America. Additionally, the results suggest an expansion in the spatial influences of ENSO on regional soil moisture in the future compared to the historical period.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yi-Hui Wang, Ryan K. Walter, Crow White, Matthew D. Kehrli, Benjamin Ruttenberg
Summary: The study provides a detailed analysis of offshore wind power potential in two Central California Call Areas, highlighting the characteristics and advantages of each area and offering guidance for their development. The combined power production from these fully developed Call Areas could potentially contribute a significant amount of electricity to California's energy grid.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Florentine Riquet, Aurelien Japaud, Flavia L. D. Nunes, Xaymara M. Serrano, Andrew C. Baker, Etienne Bezault, Claude Bouchon, Cecile Fauvelot
Summary: The mustard hill coral Porites astreoides has recently experienced an increase in relative coverage across its distribution range in the Caribbean. The genetic structure of P. astreoides shows a complex spatial pattern, with both genetic homogeneity and differentiation existing simultaneously, possibly due to mixed reproductive strategies, among other factors.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alexandria R. Marquardt, Noel M. Clark, Eliana G. Maietta, Sara K. Park, Benjamin Ruttenberg
Summary: The iconic Pismo clam population in California has declined due to overfishing in recent decades. Researchers conducted a study on the reproductive cycles and growth rates of the clams to aid in their management and restoration. The study found that reproductive timing has slightly deviated from historical records, with clams spawning later in the year. Body condition indices correlate with reproductive stage, providing a cost-effective way to monitor reproduction. Growth rates were faster in Southern California compared to Central California, but still slower than historical estimates.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hannah S. Rempel, Abigail K. Siebert, Jacey C. Van Wert, Kelly N. Bodwin, Benjamin Ruttenberg
Summary: Parrotfishes and surgeonfishes in the Caribbean are important herbivores that graze on reef algae, but they also consume other nutrient-dense sources such as cyanobacteria. This study found that a large percentage of fecal pellets produced by Brown Chromis were consumed by parrotfishes and surgeonfishes, and these pellets may contain higher nutritional value compared to various macroalgae and epilithic algae matrix.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathryn H. Stankiewicz, Kate L. Vasquez Kuntz, Iliana B. Baums
Summary: The traditional method Delta K for determining population structure may underestimate the true number of clusters and be sensitive to uneven sampling. Using a combination of different estimators is recommended for more accurate results, as relying on a single estimator may not be sufficient in determining the optimal number of clusters.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Jesus E. Arias-Gonzalez, Iliana B. Baums, Anastazia T. Banaszak, Carlos Prada, Sergio Rossi, Edwin A. Hernandez-Delgado, Baruch Rinkevich
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Yi-Hui Wang, Ryan K. Walter, Crow White, Benjamin Ruttenberg
Summary: As climate change continues to impact California, the state's commercial fisheries are undergoing changes, shifting from higher-biomass, lower-value species to lower-biomass, higher-value species. Despite a decline in total landings, the total value has remained relatively stable, with the northern half of the state contributing significantly to the overall value. Groundfish has been identified as the dominant fisheries in areas prioritized for potential offshore wind development in central and northern California.
MARINE AND COASTAL FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eslam O. Osman, Samuel A. Vohsen, Fanny Girard, Rafaelina Cruz, Orli Glickman, Lena M. Bullock, Kaitlin E. Anderson, Alexis M. Weinnig, Erik E. Cordes, Charles R. Fisher, Iliana B. Baums
Summary: This study investigates the reliance of coral species living near deep-sea cold seeps on chemosynthetically-derived food and the impact of proximity to cold seeps. The researchers find that some coral species utilize chemosynthetically derived food and that the restructuring of the microbiome community may aid corals in utilizing seepage-derived carbon.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
John Morris, Ian Enochs, Alice Webb, Didier de Bakker, Nash Soderberg, Graham Kolodziej, Derek Manzello
Summary: Ocean acidification is expected to affect coral reef ecosystems by changing calcification, bioerosion, and physiology of marine organisms. The study found that diurnal fluctuations in carbonate chemistry can impact the bioerosion rates of sponges, and this effect may be intensified by photosynthetic symbionts.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kate L. Vasquez Kuntz, Sheila A. Kitchen, Trinity L. Conn, Samuel A. Vohsen, Andrea N. Chan, Mark J. A. Vermeij, Christopher Page, Kristen L. Marhaver, Iliana B. Baums
Summary: The study reveals that somatic mutations in animals can be passed on to offspring, increasing genetic diversity and facilitating adaptation across generations.
Article
Biology
Hanny E. Rivera, Anne L. Cohen, Janelle R. Thompson, Iliana B. Baums, Michael D. Fox, Kirstin S. Meyer-Kaiser
Summary: Ocean warming is causing coral mortality, but some heat-tolerant populations can replenish affected reefs. The Rock Islands in Palau harbor two thermally tolerant genetic lineages, which can provide tolerant larvae to neighboring areas, essential for coral survival.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Heidi K. K. Hirsh, Thomas A. A. Oliver, Hannah C. C. Barkley, Johanna L. K. Wren, Stephen G. G. Monismith, Derek P. P. Manzello, Ian C. C. Enochs
Summary: To accurately predict the impacts of ocean acidification on shallow-water ecosystems, it is crucial to consider the biogeochemical impact of local benthic communities and the connectivity between offshore and onshore water masses. Estimation of residence time can help quantify this connectivity and determine the influence of benthic ecosystems on the chemistry of the water column. The study provides estimates of nearshore residence time for Guam and demonstrates the importance of including residence time in models to better predict biogeochemical variability in coral reef environments.
AQUATIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana M. Palacio-Castro, Tyler B. Smith, Viktor Brandtneris, Grace A. Snyder, Ruben van Hooidonk, Juan L. Mate, Derek Manzello, Peter W. Glynn, Peggy Fong, Andrew C. Baker
Summary: Climate change is changing coral reef ecosystems by causing more frequent and severe bleaching events. Some reefs, particularly Pocillopora colonies with thermotolerant algal symbionts, have shown higher heat resistance after severe bleaching. However, this state may not be long-lasting unless global greenhouse gas emissions and global warming are reduced.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Katie Dunkley, Andrew Dunkley, James Drewnicki, Inti Keith, James E. Herbert-Read
Summary: Ecologists are using video data to study animal behaviors in the wild, and this study presents a complete hardware and software solution for an underwater stereo camera rig that can continuously record aquatic species and their behaviors in high resolution and in 3D over multiple days. The collected data can provide insights into ecosystem health and structure, and help monitor the impact of environmental pressures.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yingqi Zhang, Shelby E. Gantt, Elise F. Keister, Holland Elder, Graham Kolodziej, Catalina Aguilar, Michael S. Studivan, Dana E. Williams, Dustin W. Kemp, Derek P. Manzello, Ian C. Enochs, Carly D. Kenkel
Summary: Contrary to expectations, the study found that purebred larval offspring of the nearshore mountainous star coral exhibited higher survival rates and lower stress response gene expression profiles under elevated temperature. One potential explanation could be the compromised reproductive output of the nearshore population due to summer bleaching events, resulting in lower storage lipid content in their gametes.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atefeh Zendehboudi, Azam Mohammadi, Sina Dobaradaran, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Bahman Ramavandi, Seyed Enayat Hashemi, Reza Saeedi, Emran Moradpour Tayebi, Ahmad Vafaee, Amirhossein Darabi
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics (MPs) in ballast water for the first time, and found high levels of MP pollution. These findings contribute to our understanding of the sources and risks of microplastics in marine ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rose Boahemaa Pinto, Linda Bogerd, Martine van der Ploeg, Kwame Duah, Remko Uijlenhoet, Tim H. M. van Emmerik
Summary: Catchment-scale plastic pollution assessments provide insights into the sources, sinks, and pathways of plastic pollution. We propose an approach to quantify macroplastic transport and density in the Odaw catchment, Ghana, and find that the urban riverine zone has the highest transport, while the urban tidal zone has the highest riverbank and land macroplastic density.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aliya Baidourela, Qian Sun, Gongxin Yang, Umut Halik, Zhongkai Dong, Kaixu Cai, Guili Sun, Wenya Zhang, Sisi Cheng
Summary: The study focused on heavy metal pollution in the green vegetation of a suburban industrial area in Tuokexun County, Xinjiang, China. The results showed that the overall level of heavy metal pollution in the soil was minor, with mercury (Hg) being the most severe contamination, likely caused by human activities. The composition of heavy metal elements in trees was more stable compared to grass and shrubs, with varying concentrations across different vegetation. Shrubbery was found to be the most effective in heavy metal restoration, and there were disparities in heavy metal enrichment among different vegetation types.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James H. Bridson, Hayden Masterton, Beatrix Theobald, Regis Risani, Fraser Doake, Jessica A. Wallbank, Stefan D. M. Maday, Gavin Lear, Robert Abbel, Dawn A. Smith, Joanne M. Kingsbury, Olga Pantos, Grant L. Northcott, Sally Gaw
Summary: Plastic pollution has significant environmental impacts, largely due to chemical additives. However, the behavior of plastic additives in marine environments is not well understood. A marine deployment experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of weathering on the extractables profile of four types of plastics in New Zealand over a period of nine months. The concentration of additives in polyethylene and oxo-degradable polyethylene was strongly influenced by artificial weathering, while polyamide 6 and polyethylene terephthalate showed minimal change. These findings emphasize the importance of considering leaching and weathering effects on plastic composition when assessing the potential impact and risk of plastic pollution in receiving environments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alan G. Scarlett, Francis D. Spilsbury, Steven J. Rowland, Marthe Monique Gagnon, Kliti Grice
Summary: This study used diamondoid hydrocarbon distributions to identify the sources of environmental oil contamination. A suite of 20 diamondoids was found to accumulate in fish adipose tissue. The scatter plots of indices between fish and exposure oils showed a close to ideal 1:1 relationship, which can be used to determine the origin of the oil.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shan Jiang, Mengmeng Wan, Kun Lin, Yanshan Chen, Rui Wang, Liju Tan, Jiangtao Wang
Summary: In this study, the concentration, composition, distribution, and sources of PCBs in surface seawater of the Bohai Bay were analyzed. The results showed that PCBs in the Bohai Bay had high concentrations and were primarily derived from land-based sources such as port activities and river inputs. The PCBs in the Bohai Bay may come from commercial PCBs and their incineration products, municipal landfills, wood and coal combustion, and industrial activities, etc.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Icaro S. A. Porto, Saulo V. A. Dantas, Caio S. A. Felix, Francisco A. S. Cunha, Jailson B. de Andrade, Sergio L. C. Ferreira
Summary: This study evaluated the risks of mercury levels in sardines consumed by low-income population in Salvador, Brazil. The results showed that the mercury content in the sampled sardines posed no risks to human health. This study is significant as most sardines in Salvador come from Todos os Santos Bay, which has a history of mercury contamination.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahui Chen, Chengyu Yuan, Guanqun Zhai, Guangcheng Chen, Heng Zhu, Jun Liu, Yong Ye
Summary: This study investigated the combined influences of species selection and site elevation on greenhouse gas fluxes from restored mangrove soils. The results suggest that Avicennia marina should be selected for mangrove restoration to minimize carbon release and reduce the influence of greenhouse gas fluxes on the global greenhouse effect.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emmanuel Onyeabor, Uju Obuka
Summary: The Gulf of Guinea region in Africa is a significant area for coastal countries, playing a vital role in their economic and environmental development. This study aims to reduce marine plastic pollution in the region by utilizing legal instruments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanli Liu, Stephan Luttjohann, Alvise Vianello, Claudia Lorenz, Fan Liu, Jes Vollertsen
Summary: Large area attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (LAATR-FTIR) is a novel technique for detecting small microplastics, with limited accuracy for large microplastics. However, it shows promise in homogeneous matrices. The spectra quality is comparable between transmission mode and LAATR mode.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phuc T. D. Le, Andrew M. Fischer, Britta D. Hardesty, Heidi J. Auman, Chris Wilcox
Summary: This study explores the relationship between ocean currents and the accumulation of floating marine debris (FMD) and finds that higher concentrations of FMD are associated with frontal frequencies (FF). FMD is primarily trapped in accumulation zones between fronts and the coastline, which have high biodiversity value.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Sawan, Perine Doyen, Florence Viudes, Rachid Amara, Celine Mahfouz
Summary: Few studies have examined the impact of urbanization and meteorological events on microplastics discharged into the sea through rivers. Surface water samples were collected from two Lebanese rivers, with differing degrees of urbanization, during dry and wet periods. The results showed that the most industrialized river had a significantly higher abundance of microplastics compared to the less-industrialized river. There was also a correlation between particle contamination and the season at each site, with microplastic concentrations highest on the first day of the wet season. These findings highlight the importance of considering meteorological events in accurately assessing plastic pollution influx into coastal waters.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katherine R. Shaw, Jonathan L. Whitney, Eileen M. Nalley, Madeline C. Schmidbauer, Megan J. Donahue, Jesse Black, Raquel N. Corniuk, Kellie Teague, Rachel Sandquist, Catherine Pirkle, Rachel Dacks, Max Sudnovsky, Jennifer M. Lynch
Summary: This study examines the ingestion of plastic in reef fish in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Plastic particles were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of multiple fish species. However, further analysis revealed that these particles were actually natural materials and posed no threat to human consumers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Revati Hardikar, C. K. Haridevi, Shantaj Deshbhratar
Summary: This study investigated the variability in phytoplankton functional structure using a trait-based approach and explored the relationship between species traits and environmental factors, as well as their impact on ecosystem functioning. The results revealed that morphological traits, temperature, and ammonia played a decisive role in the seasonal succession of phytoplankton species. It was found that certain traits favored higher biomass production but might hinder energy transfer efficiency. The strong correlation between environmental variables and phytoplankton functional structure supports the practical implementation of a trait-based approach in studying phytoplankton community dynamics under different environmental conditions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Engki A. Kisnarti, Nining Sari Ningsih, Mutiara R. Putri, Nani Hendiarti, Bernhard Mayer
Summary: This study examines the movement patterns of plastic marine debris in Indonesian waters, revealing that Indonesia contributes significantly to transboundary marine debris in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. Most of the debris remains in Indonesian waters and moves back and forth due to the influence of monsoon currents.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)